Metrical tales, and other poems; - Electric Scotland

30 METRICAL TALES.
I would rob the young carnation,
To give parted lips their glow,
And increase the sweet temptation
By a dimpled chin below ;
By a throat as white as milk.
By the charm of swelling breasts.
Bosomed in the snowy silk,
Like twain turtles in their nests ;
By a form where every fold
Of the robe should fall with grace,
So that men should cry, " Behold,
"
A serajohic form and face !
But, though I coiild
thus portray,
Thus inform my constant thought,
I would cry, " Away ! away
!
All your efforts are but naught.
Art, undo the work of Death,
Ere you bid my heart rejoice ;
Give this poor creation breath.
Bid it thrill me with its voice ;
Let it woo me to its arms
By its dear unconscious wiles.
By its thousand nameless charms.
Winning words, and witching smiles ;
Let its bosom rise and fall.
Like the summer ocean's swell,
As it lends an ear to all
That untiring love would tell.
Bid it meet my raptured gaze
With the eyes of Josephine,
Give me back my happy days
In my cottage home at Guines !
These are idle words, alas !
Let them stir my heart no more.
"