EDWIN AND EMMA.
Far in the windings of a vale,
Fast by a sheltering wood,
The safe retreat of health and peace,
An humble cottage stood.
There beauteous Emma flourish'd fair,
Beneath a mother's eye;
Whose only wish on earth was now
To see her blest and die.
The softest blush that nature spreads,
Gave colour to her cheek;
Such orient colour smiles through heaven,
When May's sweet moreings break.
Nor let the pride of great ones scorn,
This charmer of the plains:
That sun who bids their diamond blaze,
To paint our lily deigns.
Long had she fill'd each youth with love,
Each maiden with despair;
And tho’ by all a wonder own’d,
Yet knew not she was fair.
