English poem
BALLAD. (DID fortune bid me chuse a state)
by Anonymous
DID fortune bid me chuse a state, From all that's rich, and all that's great, From all that ostentation brings, The splendor, pride, and pomp of kings;
These gifts, and more, did she display, With health, that felt not life's decay, I'd spurn with scorn the useless lot, Were my Camilla's name forgot.
But did she for my fate assign, That I should labour in a mine; Or, with many wretches more, In slavery chain me to an oar;
Or from the sight of men exil'd Send me to a Siberian wild, For this and more would she atone, Were my Camilla all my own.
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