Songs, Song II

If ever thou didst joy to bind Two hearts in equal passion join'd, O son of VENUS! hear me now, And bid FLORELLA bless my vow.

If any bliss reserv'd for me Thou in the leaves of fate should'st see; If any white propitious hour, Pregnant with hoarded joys in store;

Now, now the mighty treasure give, In her for whom alone I live: In sterling love pay all the sum, And I'll absolve the fates to come.

In all the pride of full-blown charms Yield her, relenting, to my arms: Her bosom touch with soft desires, And let her feel what she inspires.

But, CUPID, if thine aid be vain The dear reluctant maid to gain; If still with cold averted eyes She dash my hopes, and scorn my sighs;

O! grant ('tis all I ask of thee) That I no more may change than she; But still with duteous zeal love on, When every gleam of hope is gone.

Leave me then alone to languish; Think not time can heal my anguish; Pity the woes which I endure; But never, never grant a cure.