The Virginia Gazette

POET'S CORNER.

Addressed to Miss T. on parting.

Our stars, my charmer, let us calm obey
Since they may mingle pleasure with our smart
They rule not always with such partial sway,
They doomed us once to love, as now to part.
Our stars themselves know change as well as we,
And sudden clouds their spangled beauties hide
Again those clouds dispersed in air we see,
And smiling skies resume their wonted pride.
The same vicissitude all nature shares,
And in their turn she has her joys and cares.
The winter storms may damp the calm retreat
Of rural innocence, and artless love,
And drive the turtle from her constant mate,
Mournful to wander through the lonely grove
Yet soon as genial spring renews the shade,
Beneath the happy bower the lover tells
His tender wishes to the listening maid,
Whilst she in charming blush her flame reveals
The turtle mourns in solitude no more
But bills and coos as happy as before.
Let us not think that pleasure is no more,
Nor of our present hapless lot complain;
Another change will former joys restore,
And we shall live to meet and love again.
Till then thou dearest, lovely, charming maid,
May joys serene thy virtuous steps attend,
And Love, though absent, with his powerful aid
Remind thee often of thy faithful friend.
May peace conclude each happy night, and may
Each setting sun with pleasure crown thy day.

FIDELIO.