Late on an evening I chanced to roam, The night it was dark, and the streets they were dirty; It was to attend the lov’d Celia home, Engag’d in a company jovial and hearty. I instantly hasten’d to put on my shield, The shield of indiff’rence, perhaps you may know it; Appriz’d of the danger attending the field, I judg’d it a piece of high prudence to shew it. I went to the door of an elegant inn; I heard who was there, and was fearful to venture: Hope to embolden me then did begin, And courage undaunted advis’d me to enter. I quickly stepp’d forward, but struck with amaze, By imminent danger I then was surrounded: Three handsome young damsels upon me did gaze, And all of a sudden, alas! I was wounded. Their shafts were set right, and their arrows did fly; I scarce could distinguish from whom they came thickest. By Cupid’s assistance at last I did spy The person best tim’d in her motions, and quickest. Each gesture was killing, and gave me surprise; I grop’d for my breast-plate, it from me was taken: My shield of indiff’rence had left me likewise; My courage did fail, and my heart it was shaken. Thus finding myself in a pitiful plight; A young maid so handsome I needs must admire: I gave a deep sigh, and I bid them goodnight; My only expedient was--to retire. A little of absence effected the cure, So happily I of my wounds did recover; But now at a distance to keep I’ll be sure, And laugh at the fate of a vanquished lover. _LUCINA_: AN ELEGY. Direful indeed are thy effects, O love! When Reason’s voice deserts thy frantic shrine; Platonic lessons no asylum prove; His dictates must obsequious yield to thine. Religion, in majestic form array’d, Attempts to soothe the wild, disorder’d breast. Alas! too often fails the promis’d aid, Nor can procure one tranquil moment’s rest. The wife, subdu’d by thy tyrannic sway, Thy cruel and malignant influence feel; Compell’d to act by thy delusive ray, As humble vot’ries at thine altars kneel. The Prince, the Peasant, drag an equal chain, Nor high, nor low, thy subtle darts can brave. Lucina felt the agonizing pain, Then hopeless sunk amid the rapid wave. She was of Annon’s lovely nymphs the grace, Of charms superior to the crowd possess’d: Her shape was faultless, matchless fair her face, Her virtues bright, by Envy’s self confest. Of all the sprightly youths that sought to gain The envi’d conquest of her virgin heart, Philander prov’d the dear distinguish’d swain, Arm’d with the cruel, unrelenting dart. He in soft accents urg’d his ardent flame, And when Lucina would his suit deny, Her beating bosom would assert his claim-- Her modest blush, and more expressive eye. At last her tongue, the purpose of her heart Unto the youth convey’d, in tender strain: Then mutual joy each whisper did impart, So great the transport, neither dream’d of pain.