OF TEMPER.
45
Her cheek turns pale—the tear prepares to start,
And palpitation heaves her swelling heart.
But here, Sophrosyne! thy guardian aid
Saves from her potent foe the sinking maid.
Her bosom, into strong emotions thrown,
Now feels the pressure of thy friendly zone.
Swift thy kind cautions to her soul recur,
More quick to cancel faults than prone to err.
As the rough swell of the insurgent tides
By the mild impulse of the moon subsides,
So, by her mystic monitor represt,
The flood of passion leaves her lighten'd breast;
From her clear brain each cloudy vapour flies,
And joy's bright ray rekindles in her eyes.
Reviving gaiety full lustre spread
O'er all her features, and with smiles she said,
"Let others drive to pleasure's distant dome!
Be mine the dearer joy to please at home!"
Scarce had she spoke, when she with sportive ease
Prest her piano-forte's fav'rite keys.
And palpitation heaves her swelling heart.
But here, Sophrosyne! thy guardian aid
Saves from her potent foe the sinking maid.
Her bosom, into strong emotions thrown,
Now feels the pressure of thy friendly zone.
Swift thy kind cautions to her soul recur,
More quick to cancel faults than prone to err.
As the rough swell of the insurgent tides
By the mild impulse of the moon subsides,
So, by her mystic monitor represt,
The flood of passion leaves her lighten'd breast;
From her clear brain each cloudy vapour flies,
And joy's bright ray rekindles in her eyes.
Reviving gaiety full lustre spread
O'er all her features, and with smiles she said,
"Let others drive to pleasure's distant dome!
Be mine the dearer joy to please at home!"
Scarce had she spoke, when she with sportive ease
Prest her piano-forte's fav'rite keys.
