English poem
The American Songster, Song
by Anonymous
Guardian angels, now protect me, Send me to the swain I love; Cupid, with thy bow direct me, Help me, all ye powers above. Bear him my sighs, ye gentle breezes, Tell him, I love and I despair; Tell him, for him I grieve, Say 'tis for him I live; O may the shepherd be sincere!
Thro' the shadow groves I'll wander, Silent as the bird of night; Near the brink of yonder fountain First Leander bless'd my sight. Witness, ye groves and falls of water, Echoes, repeats the vows he swore: Can he forget me, Will he neglect me, Shall I never see him more!
Does he love and yet forsake me, To admire a nymph more fair? If 'tis so I'll wear the willow, And esteem the happy pair. Some lonely cave I'll make my dwelling, Ne'er more the cares of life pursue: The lark and philomel Only shall hear me tell What makes me bid the world adieu.