Page:The Domestic Affections, and Other Poems.pdf/69



Let other bards the garland twine, Where sweets of ev'ry hue combine; Those locks rever'd, that silvery shine, Invite my lay!

Less white the summer-cloud sublime, Less white the winter's fringing rime; Nor do Belinda's lovelier seem, (A poet's blest, immortal theme), Than thine, which wear the moonlight-beam, Of rev'rend time!

Long may the graceful honors smile, Like moss on some declining pile; Oh! much rever'd! may filial care, Around thee, duteous, long repair, Thy joys with tender bliss to share, Thy pains beguile!

Long, long, ye snowy ringlets, wave, Long, long, your much-lov'd beauty save!