Song. the Scholar's Relapse

By the side of a grove, at the foot of a hill, Where whisper'd the beech, and where murmur'd the rill, I vow'd to the Muses my time and my care, Since neither could win me the smiles of my fair.

Free I rang'd like the birds, like the birds free I sung, And Delia's lov'd name scarce escap'd from my tongue; But if once a smooth accent delighted my ear, I should wish, unawares, that my Delia might hear.

With fairest ideas my bosom I stor'd, Allusive to none but the nymph I ador'd; And the more I with study my fancy refin'd, The deeper impression she made on my mind.

So long as of Nature the charms I pursue, I still must my Delia's dear image renew; The Graces have yielded with Delia to rove, And the Muses are all in alliance with Love.