126
THE TRIUMPHS
If aught of earthly sentiment may vie
With the pure joy these happy scenes supply,
'Tis when, unmixt with trouble and with pain,
Love glides in secret thro' the glowing vein;
When some fond youth, unconscious of its fire,
Free from chill fear and turbulent desire,
With every thought absorb'd in soft delight,
Sees all creation in his fair-one's sight,
And feels a blissful state without a name,
Repose of soul with harmony of frame.
So, plung'd in pleasure of the purest kind,
Serena gaz'd on the maternal mind;
Gaz'd till Sophrosyne's directing aid
Thus summon'd to new sights th' obedient maid:—
"Haste, my fair charge, for of this ample state,
Tracts yet unseen thy visitation wait.
The pressing hours forbid me to unfold
Each separate province which these confines hold;
But I will lead thee to that blissful crew,
Whose kindred spirits best deserve thy view."
With the pure joy these happy scenes supply,
'Tis when, unmixt with trouble and with pain,
Love glides in secret thro' the glowing vein;
When some fond youth, unconscious of its fire,
Free from chill fear and turbulent desire,
With every thought absorb'd in soft delight,
Sees all creation in his fair-one's sight,
And feels a blissful state without a name,
Repose of soul with harmony of frame.
So, plung'd in pleasure of the purest kind,
Serena gaz'd on the maternal mind;
Gaz'd till Sophrosyne's directing aid
Thus summon'd to new sights th' obedient maid:—
"Haste, my fair charge, for of this ample state,
Tracts yet unseen thy visitation wait.
The pressing hours forbid me to unfold
Each separate province which these confines hold;
But I will lead thee to that blissful crew,
Whose kindred spirits best deserve thy view."
