To Juliana

Dearest and gentlest! let me hold thee fast Within my arms, and kiss thy Parian brow; And, whilst this soften'd light is o'er us cast, Breathe with me fondly the impassion'd vow; And let the murmurings of our joy be heard, Like rippling waves along the shining shore, Not loud, but deep. Love is its own reward, And hath of pleasures an exhaustless store. I see the golden fancies of thy mind Dancing, like fairies, round thy lips and eyes; Or, like the small clouds, chased by summer wind, Dissolving into sunlight as they rise:— A shower of blessings on thee for a spell!— My soul is faint with loving thee too well.