Sonnet. Melissa!

Her dark-brown tresses negligently slow In curls luxuriant, to her bending waist; Her darker brows, in perfect order plac'd, Guard her bright eyes, that mildly beam below. The Roman elegance her nose displays— Her cheeks soft blushing, emulate the rose, Her witching smiles, the orient pearls disclose: And o'er her lips, the dew of Hybla strays. Her lib'ral mind, the gentler virtues own; Her chasten'd wit, instructive lore impart; Her lovely breast is soft Compassion's throne, And Honor's temple is her glowing heart.

But I, like Patriarch Moses, praise and bless The Canaan which I never shall possess!