How blest the youth whom Fate ordains

How blest the youth whom Fate ordains A kind relief from all his pains, In some admired fair; Whose tend'rest wishes find express'd Their own resemblance in her breast Exactly copied there.

What good soe'er the Gods dispense, Th' enjoyment of its influence Still on her love depends; Her love the shield that guards his heart, Or wards the blow, or blunts the dart, That peevish Fortune sends.

Thus, Delia, while thy love endures, The flame my happy breast secures From Fortune's fickle pow'r; Change as she list, she may increase, But not abate my happiness, Confirm'd by thee before.

Thus while I share her smiles with thee, Welcome, my love, shall ever be  The favours she bestows; Yet not on those I found my bliss, But in the noble ecstasies The faithful bosom knows.

And when she prunes her wings for flight, And flutters nimbly from my sight, Contented I resign Whate'er she gave; thy love alone I can securely call my own, Happy while that is mine.