Which cheers the spirit, ere its bark Puts off into the unknown Dark. Deserted youth! one thought alone Shed joy around his soul in death- Was safe from this foul midnight's breath, — Safe in her father's princely halls, Where the cool airs from fountain falls, Freshly perfum'd by many a brand Of the sweet wood from India's land, Were pure as she whose brow they fann'd. But see who yonder comes by stealth,* This melancholy bower to seek, Like a young envoy, sent by Health, With rosy gifts upon her cheek? *This circumstance has been often introduced into poetry;-by Vincentius Fabricius, by Darwin, and lately, with very powerful effect, by Mr. Wilson. 'Tis she-far off, through moonlight dim, Than live to gain the world beside!- His livid cheek to hers she presses, And dips, to bind his burning brow, In the cool lake her loosen'd tresses. Ah! once, how little did he think An hour would come, when he should shrink With horror from that dear embrace, Those gentle arms, that were to him Holy as is the cradling place Of Eden's infant cherubim! And now he yields-now turns away, All in those proffer'd lips alone Those lips that, then so fearless grown, Near his unask'd or without shame. "Oh! let me only breathe the air, "The blessed air, that's breath'd by thee, |