Poems (Campbell)/Lubin to Sylvia
LUBIN TO SYLVIA.
Alas! that beauty, like the rose, Should live but for a summer's day;And like that fairest flow'r disclose A blossom only to decay!
When time shall dim that sparkling eye, And wrinkle Sylvia's brow so fair,And bid those blooming blushes die, And silver o'er that auburn hair;
When ev'ry charm you boast shall fade By cruel fate's severe decree;What then remains, my lovely maid, Ah, Sylvia! what remains for me?
When that fair form shall cease to charm, And ev'ry beauty shall depart;What then the lover's breast shall warm— Oh! what shall rivet Lubin's heart?
Turn from thy treach'rous glass awhile; Thy soul's neglected culture see!Let that with virtue's radiance smile, And Lubin only lives for thee.
For looks it well in wedded wife To laugh, to flirt, to dress, and stare?I want, dear maid, a friend for life, To crown its joy, and soothe its care.
The lover's eye perchance they bless,— But when the gordian knot is tied,Farewell to folly, glare, and dress; Adieu to vanity and pride!
Far other scenes demand thy care; Let these alone thy thoughts employ;Then, e'en in age, I'll think thee fair, And in thee find perpetual joy.