The New York Journal, And Daily Patriotic Register

POETS CORNER.

The Old Bachelor's Lamentation,

Time swift as a post, fleet as swift as the wind,
Flies off with my life, and leaves nothing behind:
Flies off with my joys, and leaves nothing in place
But a painful review of a whimsical chase.
How light danc'd my spirits, how joyous the hours
While youth lent me vigour, and love lent me powers
But I now see with sorrow the pleasures decay,
Yet, alas! when I had them I threw them away;
Young Cupid oft threaten'd to ply with his dart,
And sometimes he wounded one side of my heart:
But now I could wish when his pranks I review,
His godship had stricken my heart through and through.
Then Hymen's soft bands had perchance been my fate,
Nor had I lamented my folly too late.
Nor Chloe had frown'd with an air of disdain,
Nor the world had condemn'd me for living in vain.
No innocent prattles now cling to my knees,
No tender endearments to soothe and to please,
No bosom companion to heighten my bliss;
Say can you imagine a state worse than this?
No more the gay springs, on her bridal attire
Excites my fond bosom some nymph to admire:
A stupid indifference pervades my dull veins:
Hear this! and be wise, oh ye nymphs and ye swains;
Ye bachelor drones who intrude on the hive:
Ye most insignificant creatures alive:
Go--quit you like men, that no more it be said,
You're useless alive, and despis'd when you're dead.
Return: ye blest moments, young days of delight;
What must you forever be chas'd from my sight?
Then adieu to all pleasures this earth can bestow;
For the heart void of love is a heart full of woe.