THE GOLDEN AGE OF LOVE. The occasion that gave rise to the following Poem may require explanation.-A lady had presented to the author an emblematical drawing accompanied by the following lines: "Tel fui L'amour au Siecle D' or-on ne le trouve plus, mais on le cherche encore-n' offrant qu' un coeur a la Beautè, aussi nud que la Verite, sans armes comme l'Innocence, sans ailes comme la Constance." SOFT as the down descends to deck Union of taste and skill to prove See where yon infant, Cupid, stands :- Yet why, where Love in height sublime Why on his altar's trophy'd base Friendship! the cold, reluctant name, And "cannot Love on earth be found, Ah me! methinks I hear thee say, No hearts the pow'r of Love obey; No constant bards his aid invoke; No bosoms seek his flow'ry yoke; Stern avʼrice breaks his trampled bow; The myrtle withers on his brow, While scarce a leaf remains to prove What "in the golden age was Love." I bend to Love's triumphant throne, "I give to thee one heart alone." Ah! when far hence compell'd to go, I drag the tort'ring chain of woe, Tho' many a fair may seek mine eye, To thee I'll pour the faithful sigh; And, spite of time and absence, prove Such in the golden age was Love." See Love in native beauty rise! Like "Truth," the god rejects disguise; Like "Innocence," he bears no arms To shield his breast from vain alarms; Like "Constancy," unwont to stray, He spreads no wing to speed away. How well Emilia's hand can prove What "in the golden age was Love!" Oh, dare I hope the beauteous maid Her Alfred's heart had there portray'd! That heart, like "Truth," each thought unveil'd, No wand'ring wish from her conceal'd; Like "Innocence," unarm'd to bear The wound her eye inflicted there; And, firm as "Constancy," should prove This is the GOLDEN AGE of LOVE. SONG. E. Swift, Esq. CEASE to blame my melancholy, Yet these mournful thoughts possessing, That, could heaven afford relief, My fond heart would scorn the blessing. Sir John Moore. EPITAPH. EDWARD BURTON, ATTORNEY AT LAW, IN CHESTERFIELD, Died April 23, 1782, Aged 54. A TENDER husband, and a friend sincere, |