LOVE-ELEGIES.
On his falling in Love with Neæra.
ELEGY I.
Farewel that Liberty our Fathers gave,In vain they gave, their Sons receiv'd in vain:I saw Neæra, and her instant Slave,Tho' born a Briton, hug'd the servile Chain.
Her Usage well repays my coward Heart,Meanly she triumphs in her Lover's Shame,No healing Joy relieves his constant Smart,No Smile of Love rewards the Loss of Fame.
Oh that to feel these killing Pangs no more,On Scythian Hills I lay a senseless Stone,Was fix'd a Rock amidst the watry Roar,And in the vast Atlantic stood alone.
Adieu, ye Muses, or my Passion aid,Why shou'd I loiter by your idle Spring?My humble Voice wou'd move one only Maid,And she contemns the Trifles which I sing.
I do not ask the lofty Epick Strain,Nor strive to paint the Wonders of the Sphere:I only sing one cruel Maid to gain,Adieu, ye Muses, if she will not hear.
No
