Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/172

88 Her tender smiles shall pay me with delight For many a bitter pang of jealous fear; For many an anxious day and sleepless night, For many a stifled sigh and silent tear. Delia shall come and bless my lone retreat: She does not scorn the shepherd's lowly life; She will not blush to leave the splendid seat, And own the title of a poor man's wife. The simple knot shall bind her gathered hair, The russet garment clasp her lovely breast; Delia shall mix among the rural fair, By charms alone distinguished from the rest. And meek Simplicity, neglected maid, Shall bid my fair in native graces shine; She, only she, shall lend her modest aid, Chaste, sober priestess, at sweet Beauty's shrine!