On Travelling with a LADY

As at my pretty Pilgrim's Side, A long the sultry Day; A timorous, but a faithful Guide, I chose the dubious Way:

With anxious Care, and watchful Pace, The smoothest Paths I trod; Contriving pleasing Tales to ease The tedious, irksome Road.

I told of gallant Knights, who fir'd By gentle Ladies Eyes, To more than mortal Feats aspir'd, Their Love the precious Prize.

I watch'd from far the black'ning Storm, And wafted off the Air, That press'd with rude Assault to harm My fearful Traveller.

Now, stopping with unheeded Stealth, I catch'd her wand'ring Eyes, Whilst the dear Question of her Health, A kind Pretence supplies.

To Prospects that from far invite, I teach her Eyes to roam, While ravish'd with no other Sight, I feast my own at Home.

If chance some lonely Cot I spy; Retreat of happy Pair; I sigh, and say, how blest, were I, Was Caelia Mistress there!

When thro' some straggling Town we go, Their honest Joy I share; As round the gaping Rustics bow, In Homage to my Fair.

Thus, for so dear a Partner's sake, Might I for ever rove, And Life's long tedious Journey make A Pilgrimage of Love!