Song 519 AMORET IF rightly tuneful bards decide, But by its native power to please, Behold that bright unsullied smile, But neither music, nor the powers Of youth and mirth and frolic cheer, Or make life's prospect half so clear, This, sure, is Beauty's happiest part; Mark Akenside [1721-1770] SONG THE shape alone let others prize, The features of the fair: I look for spirit in her eyes, And meaning in her air. A damask check, an ivory arm, That speaks a mind within. A face where awful honor shines, The tenderness of love. These are the soul of beauty's frame; And all her roses dead. But ah! where both their charms unite, How perfect is the view, With every image of delight, With graces ever new: Of power to charm the greatest woe, Their power but faintly to express But go, behold Arpasia's face, And read it perfect there. Mark Akenside [1721-1770] KATE OF ABERDEEN THE silver moon's enamored beam To beds of state go balmy sleep ('Tis where you've seldom been), May's vigil while the shepherds keep With Kate of Aberdeen. Song Upon the green the virgins wait, Till morn unbar her golden gate, Strike up the tabor's boldest notes, And see-the matin lark mistakes, He quits the tufted green: Fond bird! 'tis not the morning breaks,- Now lightsome o'er the level mead, Like them the jocund dance we'll lead, For see the rosy May draws nigh, And hark, the happy shepherds cry, "Tis Kate of Aberdeen. 521 John Cunningham [1729-1773] SONG WHO has robbed the ocean cave, For thee those pearly treasures drew? Stole the morning of thine eye? A thousand charms, thy form to deck, On thy breath their fragrance borne. Guard thy bosom from the day, But one charm remains behind, Nor in the circling air, a heart. John Shaw [1559-1625] CHLOE It was the charming month of May, The feathered people you might see, They hail the charming Chloe; Robert Burns [1759-1796] The Lover's Choice 523 "O MALLY'S MEEK, MALLY'S SWEET” As I was walking up the street, A barefit maid I chanced to meet; For that fair maiden's tender feet. Mally's every way complete. It were more meet that those fine feet Her yellow hair, beyond compare, Comes trinkling down her swan-white neck, And her two eyes, like stars in skies, Would keep a sinking ship frae wreck. O Mally's meek, Mally's sweet, Mally's modest and discreet, Mally's rare, Mally's fair, Mally's every way complete. Robert Burns (1759-1796] THE LOVER'S CHOICE You, Damon, covet to possess The nymph that sparkles in her dress; And clasp an armful of brocade. Such raise the price of your delight And, pirate-like, surprise your heart With colors of adulterate art. |