page 61

A Thoughtful View.

Why yonder turns my wistful eye?
Why heaves my bosom with a sigh?
As from this window I espy
Yon cottage.

For now what beauty can be found,
On Nature's cheerless aspect round,
While winter's barren fields surround
Yon cottage.

Then what is't that attracts mine eye?
Is't yon bleak hill or cloudy sky?
Or is't the garden freezing by
Yon cottage.

These no attractions can impart,
Like those which influence my heart,
While ardent feelings make thus smart
My bosom.

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Ah, partial Fortune must I 'gin
To woo thee now, or strive to win
The lovely maid that dwells within
Yon cottage.

No:—Proud disdain has shut the door,
To bend, to flatter, I abhor,—
Nor can I ever visit more
Yon cottage.

Farewell!—But ah! it gives me pain,
That word I could retract again,
While to forget is only vain
Yon cottage.

It must be so—though feeling's sway,
To farewell's voice would answer nay:
Why should my spirit thus give way
To sorrow?

But hold!—Is't true what now I've heard?
Or has malicious Slander dared,
To wound with falsehood's disregard
My feelings?

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Here must I pause:—Heav'n hear my prayer!
May she in every blessing share,—
Oh, ward from all usurping care
Yon cottage.