_Ode Viii._

'Twas night, and many a circling bowl Had deeply warmed my swimming soul; As lull'd in slumber I was laid, Bright visions o'er my fancy play'd! With virgins blooming as the dawn, I seem'd to trace the opening lawn; Light, on tiptoe bathed in dew, We flew, and sported as we flew! Some ruddy striplings, young and sleek, With blush of Bacchus on their cheek, Saw me trip the flowery wild With dimpled girls, and slily smiled; Smiled indeed with wanton glee, But, ah! 'twas plain they envied me.

And still I flew--and now I caught The panting nymphs, and fondly thought To kiss--when all my dream of joys, Dimpled girls and ruddy boys, All were gone! 'Alas!' I said, Sighing for the illusions fled, 'Sleep! again my joys restore, Oh! let me dream them o'er and o'er!'