Delia—a Song

Delia, for thee I'd seek the fire Of millions 'volv'd in deadly war; Nor from the field would I retire, 'Till death or vict'ry crown'd my car. Tho' cannons sound, And balls rebound; Tho' helmets meet, And troops retreat,

It should within no tremors raise, No sigh should draw, no tear should cause, But in the sun's all parching blaze I'd wield my sword, and seek applause; Tho' Heaven's high arch, Deep veil'd, and dark With thunder roar'd, And lightning shower'd,

I'd firm remain amidst the field, Wide o'er the plain pursue my foe; 'Till in the combat he should yield, Or strike the last decisive blow. If she approv'd, She whom I lov'd, For one kind smile Would pay my toil.

Young Cupid has so aim'd his dart, And Delia so impress'd my soul, That I've resign'd to her my heart, For she alone can bear controul. So life's a jest, A plague at best, Unless she'll prove A friend to love.

Her voice can sooth the found of death, Can rob the grave of ev'ry ill. Like Hermon's dew descends her breath, And sweetens life's all pois'ning pill. Delia, be kind, For I'm resign'd To gloomy care And wild despair.

To the cold mansions of the tomb, For I can bear misfortune's frown, And all the ills of life to come, If you will but the Stranger own. If you will rove To Hymen's grove, And heart with hand Confirm the band.