Part 14 (2/2)

Not if kissed by other men.

[Decoration]

_THE FAULT IS NOT MINE._

The fault is not mine if I love you too much, I loved you too little too long, Such ever your graces, your tenderness such, And the music the heart gave the tongue.

A time is now coming when Love must be gone, Tho' he never abandoned me yet.

Acknowledge our friends.h.i.+p, our pa.s.sion disown, Our follies (ah can you?) forget.

[Decoration]

_UNDER THE LINDENS._

Under the lindens lately sat A couple, and no more, in chat; I wondered what they would be at Under the lindens.

I saw four eyes and four lips meet, I heard the words, _”How sweet! how sweet!”_ Had then the Faeries given a treat Under the lindens?

I pondered long and could not tell What dainty pleased them both so well: Bees! bees! was it your hydromel Under the lindens?

[Decoration]

_SIXTEEN._

In Clementina's artless mien Lucilla asks me what I see,-- And are the roses of sixteen Enough for me?

Lucilla asks, if that be all, Have I not culled as sweet before?

Ah yes, Lucilla! and their fall I still deplore.

I now behold another scene, Where Pleasure beams with heaven's own light,-- More pure, more constant, more serene, And not less bright:

Faith, on whose breast the Loves repose, Whose chain of flowers no force can sever, And Modesty, who, when she goes, Is gone forever!

_IANTHE._

Thank Heaven, Ianthe, once again Our hands and ardent lips shall meet, And Pleasure, to a.s.sert his reign, Scatter ten thousand kisses sweet: Then cease repeating while you mourn, ”I wonder when he will return.”

Ah wherefore should you so admire The flowing words that fill my song, Why call them artless, yet require ”Some promise from that tuneful tongue?”

I doubt if heaven itself could part A tuneful tongue and tender heart.

[Decoration]

[Ill.u.s.tration: Full-page Plate]

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