II.

WISHES.

TO HIS (SUPPOSED) MISTRESS.

WHOE'ER she be,

That not impossible she

That shall command my heart and me;

Where'er she lie,

Lock'd up from mortal eye,

In shady leaves of Destiny;

Till that ripe birth

Of studied Fate stand forth,

And teach her fair steps tread our Earth;

Till that divine

Idea, take a shrine

Of crystal flesh, through which to shine;

5

10

A cheek where Youth,

And blood, with pen of Truth

Write, what their reader sweetly ru'th.

Whose native ray,

Can tame the wanton day

Of gems, that in their bright shades play.

Each ruby there,

Or pearl that dares appear,

Be its own blush, be its own tear.

50

85

Life, that dares send

A challenge to his end,

And when it comes say, Welcome friend!

Sydneian showers

Of sweet discourse, whose powers

Can crown old Winter's head with flowers. 90

Soft silken hours;

Open suns; shady bowers;

'Bove all, nothing within that lowers.

Whate'er delight

Can make Day's forehead bright,

. Or give down to the wings of Night.

In her whole frame,

Have Nature all the name,

Art and ornament the shame.

Her flattery,

95

100

Picture and Poesy,

Her counsel her own virtue be.