To Robert Southey

OF BALIOL COLLEGE, OXFORD, AUTHOR OF THE 'RETROSPECT', AND OTHER POEMS

SOUTHEY! thy melodies steal o'er mine ear Like far-off joyance, or the murmuring Of wild bees in the sunny showers of Spring-- Sounds of such mingled import as may cheer

The lonely breast, yet rouse a mindful tear: Wak'd by the Song doth Hope-born FANCY fling Rich showers of dewy fragrance from her wing, Till sickly PASSION'S drooping Myrtles sear

Blossom anew! But O! more thrill'd, I prize Thy sadder strains, that bid in MEMORY'S Dream The faded forms of past Delight arise; Then soft, on Love's pale cheek, the tearful gleam

Of Pleasure smiles--as faint yet beauteous lies The imag'd Rainbow on a willowy stream.

January 14, 1795.