Sor:ro ws of Se:d [■ v t :i o :\ , SORROWS OF SEDUCTION, IN EIGHT DELINEATIONS, XV 1 X H OTHER POEMS. Forbid, great God ! that Vice, in Virtue's gui^e, Should e'er unguarded Innocence surprise; Despoil of every charm that decks her brow, And give her up to unavailing woe. Second Edition, considerably improved. LONDON: PRINTED FOR WILLIAM CORDON, CIRCULATING LIBRARY, NO. 357, OXFORD-STREET, NEAR THE PANTHEON. I 1806. Pnnleddy J. Roach, Wuburn-Strut, Diary-Lane. READER, Did you ever know a Poet ■who submitted not his Manuscript to the examination of his friends ?— I have not a literary friend. This Work, unknown, and unperused by the public, passes from myself immediately to my Publisher. Did you ever know a Poet unsolicitous for fame ? — Public applause, or public censure, is felt only when it is reflected from the countenance of a friend. At a distance from the Metropolis, and depend- A 2 84«'*i ; IV ent on my own counsels and exertions } \. am pursuing competence, in a laborious walk of life: It is my wish that nothing should divert me from my purpose. I have yet not acquired the habit of comparing my own abilities and produc- tions with those of oihers; hence I have formed no opinion of the Poem. I deliver it to you, as an Indian does one of his crnaments — it may be a common peb* b'e, or it may be a precious gem. Pie has worn it with pleasure — he gives it you with satisfaction — but it is yours alone ta estimate its value. This age is proud to recognise merit; if my Work possess any, the Public will be its patrons — If I have none, the rectitude of my intentions is my reward. Neither my interest nortranquillity will be affected by its fate. CRITIQUES ON THE POEMS. * This volume, which, as the author savs, passed from himself immediately to his publishers, without any exami- nation on the part of a friend, exhibits greatelegance of taste, and warmth of feeling. The first Poem, on Seduc- tion, is well managed, and has many pathetic and beautiful passages.' British Ct itic. ' We have perused these Poems with pleasure, excited by the uniformly good sentiments which pervade them ; by the love or religion, morals, and virtue, which is displayed in almost every page. The author has manifested taste in the selection of his imagery, and has shewn himself not des- titute of genius.' Anti-Jacobin Review. ' This is a Poem of considerable merit, on an interesting theme, and is a praise-worthy endeavour to engage the charms of Poetry in the aid of Morality : a service from which they have been too frequently diverted. It consiss of six* Delinea- tions, tracing the fatal connexion of Maria and Lorenzo, from their first interview to the death of the latter.' Eclectic Review. * In the fir>t edition, the Poe.n of the Sorrows of Seduction, was only in Six Delineations, but in the present the author has adeel two more. CONTENTS. Page. Sorrows of Seduction, Delineation /.---_ 9 // 19 UI 33 IV. .... 51 V. .... 59 VI 69 I'll. .... 81 VIII 91 Ruins 105 tarly Spring ]()6 Revery - - - - - 108 Independence --------- -__]pg fancy ----- 111 The Tree }[Q Sensibility --------.-__ jj 7 Despair ------._ U9 Fortitude ..-_-_.__... |0() 7/:e Invasion ~ - - - - Yz3 CONTENTS, Cupid ]25 The Tomb of Anna 129 The Scene of Youth 131 The Fox and the Two Dogs - - - - - - - 133 Spring 138 A Ballad i41 The Vernal Morn 1" Beauty Chloe 147 148 The Lake 149 Maria 15 ° The Hind — Morning ll '- Noon 151 Evening --------- A Fragment ---------- - • A ^' ± SORROWS OF SEDUCTION, DELINEATION I. SCENE — The Counfry. MARIA and LORENZO. To the fair Nymph, whom beauty's charms adorn With bin hing softness, as the op'ning mom, The man of treach'rous heart incessant funs, "\\ ui...- Ins base ',vi!l the tics of Virtue spurns ; B 10 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. His nafive guile conceal'd, he sues the fair, C In Love's soft tone, with lienor's noble air ; His sighs and vows the guileless maid assail, Hissitrhs, and vows, alas ! too soon prevail : She weeping fal's, unmov'd he views her pain, She wooes lost peace, but, ah ! she wooes in vain. 1C Heavens ! are there men, who from her home decoy The beauteous maid — a parent's hope and joy, And then unmov'd behold the weeping fair, Fallen by their arts, a victim to Despair ? Forbid, great God! that Vice, in Virtue's guise, 15 Should e'er unguarded Innocence surprise. Despoil of ev'ry charm that decks her brow, And give her up to unavailing woe. SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 11 Beneath parental roof Maria grows — Pure is her mind, her looks benignity disclose; 20 Each blushing grace around her footsteps strays, And beauty's glow her lovely cheek displays ; While truth, with winning modesty combin'd, Grace ev'ry achon, as they grace her mind : Her soul, fair beaming in her beauteous face, 25 The eye with fond complacence loves to trace : Her lans;uacre ne"er assumes Deceit's soft tones, Ilcr lips ne'er utter what her heart disowns; Her mild expressions, as by Prudence taught, Flow forth ingenuous, as they lie in thought; 30 Unnumbcr'd charms her artless smiles diffuse, Ilcr motle^t mien dark Envy's ire subdues ; B 2 12 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. And vain the dart that Slander's hand would aim, While sweet-ey'd Innocence protects her fame. On Nature's bosom nurs'd, by Virtue rear'd. 35 To rural scenes and simple joys endear'd, Gay pleasures, ever new. incircling shed Their mildest influence round her graceful head i With her they rove along the spangled plain Or windins dell, sail foremost in her tram : 40 Whether young morn, with scintillating eye, Bursts the dark veil that wraps the orient sky ; Or whether twilight with soft lustre shines, When slow-pac'd night with closing day combines. Thus fair she blooms amid her native bow'r, 45 Til! Love, all trcach'rous, in a tender hour, SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. 13 Decoys her, trembling, from her peaceful home, And bids her steps the maze of error roam. A youth approaches, with fair Honor's mien. While Vice sits rankling in his heart unseen ; 50 With polish'd manners, unaffected ease, He speaks to captivate, and smiles to please ; Yet danger lurks behind each artful smile, And each warm phrase falls from the lips of guile: So Venus catch-fly, with her honey'd stotes 55 And subtle wiles, th' incautious fly o'erpow'rs ; With fearless wing into her arms it flies, She clasps her circling arms — the insect dies ! Chance leads the youth to where Maria strays, He sees the nymph— he stands in fund amaze : Go B3 14 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. His wondr'ing eyes, with musing thought, repose, On all the sweetness that her charms disclose ; And, foe to Honor, as to Virtue's sway, With fiend-like joy he marks her for his prey. In Truth's fair robe, torn from her shrine, array'd, Go He looks all love to win the timorous maid ; Assuasive smiles his guileful lips dispart, His words enraptur'd speak the love-fraught heart. As coy Mimosa, with fine sense endow'd, Shrinks from the touch, and from the dark'ning cloud ; 70 So shrinks Maria from his ardent gaze, While all her charms with blushing softness blaze : Shy modesty forbids her longer stay, But something gently whispers — disobey. Her sweet confusion, and her limid glance, 75 l/'.a!t hci beauty, and his flame enhance. SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. 15 Forceful as Zephyr's breath that opes the bow'r, His words her pity and her love implore : '•' Wert thou, adorable Maria, mine, Bliss, more than bliss, on my fond breast would shine. 80 Were lov'd Maria mine, O envied lot ! Bliss would be mine, ev'n in the straw-roof'd cot. O smile benign, and bid me live to joy, Thy frowns, Maria, will my life destroy." Won by his wiles, sweet Love her fear disarms, 85 Calms Reason's doubts, and Modesty's alarms ; She blushing listens, while her sigh betrays The soft emotion that her bosom sways. Now night descending with her sable train, Bids Joy be hush'd, and Labour quit the plain SO B 1 16 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. Prudence, now wakeful, blames Maria's stay, Prompts the resolve, nor will allow delay. With slow-turn'd head she eyes her home in view. Smiles on the youth, and whisp'ring sighs, " Adieu !' '•' O, no! Maria, no !" he fondly cries, 9o Clasps her fair hand, while love beams in his eyes; " I must retire," the beauteous maid repeats, " Then meet me oft," his tender voice entreats ; Her smile consents : — -and now she slow recedes, Still fair in innocence, along the meads. ICO As stands the wolf upon the mountain's brow, And wishful views the destin'd lamb below; So stands Lorenzo,, while his fervid gaze, Pursues Maria, as she homeward strays. SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. 17 Ye beauteous maids, with ev'ry chann replete, 105 "Whose breasts to Love's soft tones accordant beat, Ere at his shrine ye bow, Oh! thinking pause, Be true to Reason, as to Nature's laws ; Reason o'er nascent Love exerts control ; But Love maturd reigns tyrant of the soul. 110 The lisping boy the tender sapling bends, But the tall oak the tempest's rage transcends; The heart once won, though Reason disapproves. Still clincrs with fondness to the man it loves. £ N D OF DELINEATION I . DELINEATION II, SCENE — The Country, MARIA and LORENZO. While Love around the nymph Ins net entwines, The fair one foresight sage advice declines. With glancing eye she marks his frolic play, Smiles as he smiles, and mocks his weak essay. Strong and more strong his toils he shly weaves, 5 Leers as he works, and as he fawns deceives ; 20 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION, Till to full strength those slighted toils attain — She strives to break them, but her strength is vain. y o Thus is Maria bound — Her joys o'erflow, Nor in the lover does she dread a fee ; 10 With guileless breast, no guileful ate she dreads, From the youth's lip she deems that Virtue pleads ; His looks are Virtue's, and its charms disclose. His heart is Vice's, there it nestling grows. 3 o o Since from Seduction safe within her heme, 15 He oft had woo'd her to his splendid dome ; (; There," would he say "in secret wedlock bound, The hours shall fly with ev'ry pleasure crown'd ; Nor long shall Secrecy's dark veil us hide — When Prudence bids, I will proclaim my bride." 20 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 21 His faith he pledg'd with all the warmth of youth, With all the semblance of celestial truth. Maria, blind to his delusive art, Felt soft emotions struggling in her heart : Long love and duty in her bosom strove, 25 But duty yielded to persuasive love. And now the maid, all trembling, holds her way To meet Lorenzo, and her love obry ; To fly the joys that glad the rural plains, A parent's cot, where sweet Contentment reigns, 30 To seek with faithless man the madd'ning throng, Which Vice and Folly wanton urge along : Where youth licentious, life of pleasure drains, And nought to age but deep regret remains. 22 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. She looks around, the well-known scenes unclose 35 The source of Mem'ry, source of pensive woes j The scenes of infancy and riper age, Arrest attention, and her soul engage: As Mem'ry leads, her eyes the landscape seek, While fond regret bedews her glowing cheek ; 40 It seem'd to sigh, Ah stay ! here pleasures dwell, Pleasures, Maria, thou deservest well; The smiling meads thee call ; thy nurseling flow'r s Now drooping, seems thy absence to deplore : The rural maids, thy fond companions, mourn, 45 And wishful cry, O, much lov'd nymph ! return." Grief swells her bosom, and demands a pause, "\\ hi!e past endearments weeping fancy draws : SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 23 " O, shall I leave," she cries, " those happy fields, Profuse ofcv'ry joy that Virtue yields. 50 G, shall I leave" — Lo ! to her tearful eyes, Her home — the scenes of happiness — arise ; The spiral smoke from 'mid the circling trees, Ascends full slow, borne by the whisp'ring breeze ; The woodbine-mantled window full is seen, 55 The a^ed thorn upon the sportive green ; AH, all a melancholy aspect wears, And fancy paints the aged pair in tears. '• O, shall I leave my parents ?" sad she cries, li O. no, return !" AHccuun prompt replies. CO Half wrested from her purpose, mute she stands, While all the daughter in her heart expands. 24 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. Thus the young bird that meditates its flight, With untried plume, along the fields of light, The wide expanse with couring neck surveys, 65 And flutt'ring fain would make its weak essays, Now hope, now fear alternate fills its breast, It looks behind — and sinks into its nest. Lorenzo now, whom lawless passion lead?, Springs with light tread along the printless meads ; 70 Around he turns with keen exploring eyes, Perceives the maid and to her quickly flies. He silent stops — grief on her brow appears, Her sigh he hears, he sees her struggling tears; Sweet sympathy into his bosom steals, 75 He looks mild pity, all her grief he feels. SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 20 <; My peerless maid," he cries, in soothing tone, i' r. i x E A Y ION J i , DELINEATION III. SCENE— The Country, MARIA's PARENTS, a SHEPHERD, and PEASANTS* Now Day receding, seeks a distant clime, Ana Night prepares to shroud his brow sublime ; Her purple robe, mild-beaming Ev'ning throws O'er Nature's charms, as fair she cloudless glows ; No sounds slow floating greet the vacant ear, 5 .S^ve those that Meditation loves to hear; 34 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION, Xo views arise within the range of sight, Save those that lull the soul to calm delight ; Diversions hum upon the village green, A fall of waters, in a dell unseen, 10 Are interrupted by the watch-dogs near, What time their masters from the field appear; The quivering rays forsake the dewy dell, And on the mountain ling'ring beam farewell ; While mirror-like, the plain and dimpless flood, 15 Reflect the foliage of the waving wood ; 1 he red-ting'd clouds in various forms arise, And gild the changing aspetf of the skies. The sluggish cow home strays by Ev'ning led, The heifer, lowing, seeks its mossy bed ; 20 His homeward steps the aged shepherd holds, Driving his fleecy charge to Night's safe folds. SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 35 Sec now upon an ivy-shaded seat, Erewhile of mild Content the fond retreat, Maria's parents mutely sit forlorn, 25 Musing on pleasures never to return ; Mourning the hour that led their child astray. And with her bore their hopes and joys away. As o'er the landscape strays the joyless eye, Maria's image claims the labouring sigh ; 30 In vain to them the smiling Ev'ning glows, The gloom of Sorrow lours upon their brows ; In vain does Nature her mild charms display- All that can please — their child — is far away. '•'• Where is my child ?" the aged mother cries, 35 :; Alas, my child!" is all the sire replies. An empty scat they view fast by their side, Where sat the maid, their happiness and pride; 36 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. In silent tenderness they eye her Tray, Half slumbering in the farewell smiles of day ; 40 Then with side looks their souls consenting meet, And mutual looks their mutual grief complete. '•'• Ah, happy days ! when circled in my arms," The mother cries — !t I view'd her infant charms: "With musing fondness oft' I lov'd to trace 45 A father's image, deck'd with female grace; With rapture which a mother only knows, I saw bliss rise, nor ever fear'd those woes. Ah, happy days ! when cradled on my breast, Nestling, my infant sought her balmy rest, 50 With silent yearning en her form I gaz'd, And to kind Heav'n : :y grateful eye uprais'd; Ah, happy days ! when on my looks she hung. Catch'd my fond accents on her lisping tongue; SORROW'S OF SEDUCTION. 37 Then stretch'd her little hands to woo the kiss, 55 And with her smiles encreas'd a mother's bliss ! What now of all those joyous years remains ? Rcmember'd pleasures chang'd to poignant pains ! Nought brings remembrance but renewed grief, And hope in vain essays to bring relief; 60 I*ife, blighted life, now seems a cheerless wild, Since lost to Virtue is my darling child." " Heaven's will be done" — begins the Father's pray'r ; Ili^ upturned looks his piety declare, «' On al! below thy fair creative hand 65 Has stampt the image of thy mercy bland ; Yet when envclop'd in AChction's huze, V. ithout one ray to guide our doubtful ways, D<_'pondence weeping in a lonely hour, Sees nought in view but thine avenging pow'r. 70 38 SORROWS OK SEDUCTION, Yet all is good — for goodness self is thine — Whate'er thy will, O grant us hope divine ; O wipe those tears — tears of parental love. And point our bosoms to the realms above. O may my child, when from this prison free, 75 Almighty Sire ! for ever dwell with thee. : ' Ah, flow their tears! but not their tears alone, Sweet Sympathy makes all their grief its own. J Tis thine ! celestial born ! the sigh to hear, To hush the groan, and wipe the falling tear ; 80 To raise the sorrow-drooping head subl.me, And bid it triumph o"er the ills of time. Unpitied is the man whose heart ne'er glows For other's joys, nor weeps for other's woes ; SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 39 But when the good, who human woe deplore, Sj Are dash'd by fate on dire Misfortune's shore, The hand of Pity saves them from the deep, And her soft whispers soothe their cares to sleep. A shepherd hoar, who better days has known, "Who feels their grief, unconscious of his own, 90 Hither repairs, with the slow steps of age, ricas'd if his sighs could aught their woe assuage; His dog behind him holds its drooping way, While round his tender sheep, all saunt'ring stray. Though art has ne'er his plain address refin'd, 95 "Vet softest sympathy inspires his mind ; He sorrows felt, hence feci, for the distress'd, And while he feels, remembers he was bless'd. 40 SORROWS OF S £ D V CIION. The prosperous man, who ne'er soft feelings prov'd. Hears sorrow's cry and onward walks unmov'd ; ICO But when her sons her gentlest wai!in?s hear, They fly to succour, or to give a tear. As on his staff he leans, and views hy turns The «ged pair, and their misfortune mourns, He shakes his locks, all thinn'd by many a year, 105 And his low accents, pausing, strike the ear ; Ah, cruel foot! that would those fields invade, And tear Contentment from her rural .shade ; Bid each glad vale Grief's hollow moan prolong, Where Innocence late pour'd her artless song. 110 Before the sun's bright beams oft fades away The murky cloud, that veils the brow of day ; SORROWS Of seduction. 41 So oft' does unexpected Hope arise, And sip the tear from Sorrow's dewy eyes ; The Sire of man is good; all shall be well 115 With Virtue, when she bids this scene farewell. When in life's rugged path we painful tread, Why does the back-turn'd eye our wishes lead To the gay vale, and bright illumin'd plain, When health, and mirth, all laughing, join'd our train ? 120 As on the heart Grief sits with watchful eye, To quash each rising joy with het sad sigh, Fancy oft weaves, from Mem'ry's ample store, A transient wreath, to deck the passing hour. In soften 'd woe their per.sive souls dissolve, 125 As other scenes their pensive thoughts revolve; D 42 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION, The scenes of other years, when in life's dawn r The young Maria grac'd the village lawn. Of her they talk — now tears their words restrain, And now they tell each story o'er again : 130 Dwell on each deed, recount each op'ning grace, And now the scenes she lov'd with fondness trace : — The poplar shaded bank, the thorn full blown, And ay, the mother cries — Alas, my child is gone ! When soft-eyed Eve, rob'din her vermil hue, 135 Mellows the sober landscape to the view, Oft has Maria — sighs the bending swain, With playful footsteps met me on the plain, And prattling by my side, all young and gay, Amus'd the ling'ring of my homeward way, 140 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. 43 As low I sat beneath yon ivied rock, Tray at my foot, around me stray 'd my flock, Maria oft would leave the sportive throng, Sit by my side, and cheer me with a song, Tiie pain of wakeful memory assuage, 145 And smile away the burthen of my age ; Sport wj;h my dog — around me smiling stray, And cull the daisies in her sauntering way ; Now with soft moving looks woo me to tell The mournful story that she lov'd so well, 150 How the sweet babes, by ruffian hands betray'd, Wander'd alone amid the woody glade, Call'd loud for aid, amid thewild'ring trees, Then paus'd, and hsten'd to the murm'ring breeze ; D2 44 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. But no aid came, no friendly hand was near, 155 To wipe with tenderness the trickling tear : Here let us rest, the fainting infants cried, They sunk — lock'd in a fond embrace, and died. The village peasants hitherward repair, To speak them comfort, or their griefs to share ; 160 Slowly along the ev'ning field they wind, With looks the transcript of the feeling mind ; And calmly musing, as they ling'ring stray, The changeful fate that marks life's little clay. They now advance, and greet the woe-fix 'd pair, 165 With all the softness of Compassion's air; A pause prevails — round strays the pensive eye, Groan answers groan, and echoes sigh to sigh: SORROW'S OF SEDUCTION. 45 7 he interchange of looks with force imparts Soft Pity, musing on their weeping hearts. 170 Ah, what is man ! exclaims a hoarv sao-e; The sport of fancy, from his youth to a<*e ; He lives by hope, upon to-morrow's joys — To-morrow comes, and all his hope destroys ! licr page fair Fancy to his view uproars, 175 Eut ere he reads, Grief blots it with her tears ; A dark'ning cloud hangs o'er this mortal span, Dim is the sun of joy that shines on man ; Wailing on life, he opes his streaming eyes — He lives in woe, and with a groan he dies. 180 Sudden a linnet from a neighb'nng spray, In thrilling warblings pours its evening lay ; D 3 46 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. See — cries the swain — those songsters how they rove. By pleasure guided through the tuneful grove ; No cankering care invades their little breasts, 185 Nor weeping sorrow e'er their peace molests : 'Tis man alone, of all the tribes below, Though heir of reason, is the child of woe. No, cries a swain, chas'd by the foot of time To life's dim verge, who speaks with brow sublime, 190 Though mortal eye in vain attempts to scan, The mighty hand that guides the fate of man, Yet wisdom counsels the Omnific cause, And goodness executes eternal laws. Let earth arise ! proclaim'd th' Almighty Lord — 195 The unfledg'd earth, in chaos heard his word ; Then man arose, (he last and best of all, To walk with wisdom o'er this earthly ball ; SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 47 To taste the pleasures that from Virtue flow, And heavenward raise his soul from scenes below. 200 For him — a swain the grateful theme resumes— The year revolves, the vernal season blooms, In blossom'd pride the summer plains appear, And ripen'd Autumn crowns the bounteous year; 'Tis his alone the various sweets to prove, 20^5 Of cordial friendship, and of smiling love ; The hand of friendship cheers him on his way, The eye of love beams fair on life's short day. When num'rous pleasures grace the social sphere, When love unites and sympathies endear! 210 What joys do reason, moral worth impart, W T hile piety from earth sublimes the heart ! D 4 4S SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. And do thus pleasures all our lives employ? Do bleak afflictions never blight our joy ? But for afflictions, we were proud and frail, 215 Too proud for man, too weak for sorrow's gale ; To them alone we noble virtues owe, The eye resign'd, and fortitude's firm brow ; They urge the soul from life's tumultuous shore, To seek the clime where they shall rage no more; 2£Q .And though they lour, the beams of hope arise, Light on her course, and steer her to the skies, V\ ith various converse, and in simple phrase, J he aged pair from sorrow's gloom they raise ; From their sad breasts the saddling thought beguile. 22c And teach mild hope upon their hearts to smile ; SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 49 Till calm-pac'd Night begins her stilly reign, And prompts them homeward o'er the dark'uing plain. END OF DELINEATION 111. DELINEATION IV. SCENE— The City. MARIA and LORE NZ 0. What simple joys the rural maid attend, Health her gay playmate, sweet Content her friend ! Her wealth is innoeence, and honest fame Is all she asks, and what her virtues claim. No wish is her's that craves but to destroy 5 The giddy circle of fantastic joy ; 52 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. Her wishes ne'er beyond her sphere aspire, And rich are they whose fortune bounds desire ; Belov'd by all, she gaily trips along, And pours her pleasure in an artless song. 10 Such once Maria was, sweet rural ma:d ! While fair she rose beneath a parent's shade : But now th' expanding charms of youth decay, Since robb'd of honour, and to grief a prey« Now lolling on the gilded couch of case, 15 Splendor her courts, yet splendor fails to please ; Though wealth obsequious on her nod attends, And pleasure smiling round her footsteps bends, Yet wan remorse, imperious in control, Denies joy entrance to her drooping soul ; £0 «ORROWS OF SEDUCTION! £3 While Mem'ry sad her agonizing leads, Where Zephyr wantons o'er the peaceful meads ; Where Plope on tiptce, in sweet smiles array 'd, And blushing Innocence, around her plav'd ; Where Pleasure bore her to the fragrant bow'r, 25 And gaily urg'd along the joy-crown'd hour. Where are those joys ? she starting cries —Ah ! gone, Forever fled, and tears remain alone! Ah ! fled — for thee no more those joys return, No more for thee shall spring the plains adorn ; 30 No more the nymphs delighted speak thy name, Once dear to Virtue, now allied to shame ; Beneath the hawthorn's shade, they pausing tell, The hapless story how Maria fell. The matrons oft upon the village green, 35 While live lends softness to the closing scene, 54 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION, Jn pensive attitude, and mournful tone, Muse on past leasures, pleasures once thy own. Dwell on thv virtues, thy sad fate bewail, And to the nymphs relate thy moving tale. 40 In life's fair morn, around thy graceful head Pair Virtue shone, and Peace her radiance spread ; Till Vice, in Love's disguise, thy bosom sway'd, Woo'd thee from Joy — thy foot her voice obey'd. Wouldst thou again move o'er the laughing vale, 45 Thv sidis would swell the health-infusing gale ; Jo o o 3 "Wouldst thou, low-bending, the fair flowret view, Thy tear would stain the flowret's lovely hue ; Nature no more for thee adorns the plain, For on her smiles thy heart would nurse its pain : 50 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 55 / Each lovely scene to thee would seem to say, Fled are the pleasures of thy op'ning day. Lorenzo enters — round she turns her eyes, And hails his coming with upbraiding sighs. ;: Ah! spare me, lov'd Maria, spare my pain, 55 I can bear death, but not your mute disdain" — The bursting tears her struggling soul declare, *'• Jov once was mine'' — she sighs with mournful air ; " And shall be yours ; yes, I shall pay my vow, And chase Dejection from your lovelv brow." 60 l; Vain words, Lorenzo; false are all your vows, False as the smile that on your forehead glows. You lur'd my unsuspecting foot to stray, Far from my home, to Vice's wildering way ; 56 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION". Then bid me haste at Pleasure's soft command, 65 And laughing join me to her frolic band; Sweep first remembrance from my wakeful mind, Then bid me haste to rapture unconfm'd ; While in my breast Remorse her vigils keep, I sleep in horror, and I wake to weep," 70 *< I swear, dear maid, by him who guides this sphere, The Omniscient One, to whom my vow is dear, I will" — " Swear not — Ah, would you now decei\e, Make my weak heart your treach'rous wiles believe ?" " Truth pleads my cause, and shall it plead in vain, 7-5 I would with you my longdcst peace regain ; Where'er with restless foot I frenzied rcv*d, I stdl met Pleasure, but no joy I prov'd. Where'er I roam'd. where'er I turn'd my view. My heart relenting, turn'd, fair maid, to you."' 80 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. 57 Pure in his breast springs Virtue's hallow'd flame, Noble his purpose, and his words the same ; Of Vice abhorrent, warm with honor'd love, He comes the bliss of virtuous life to prove. As streamy lights around the northern pole, 85 The gleam of joy dart through her darken 'd soul, Her wo dimm'd eye, with flushing ray relume, And for a while dispel Depression's gloom. Unhappy maid, who, innocent as fair, A victim falls to dark Seduction's snare, 90 She in whose bosom Vice has not eflfac'd The beauteous tints that Virtue's hand had trac'd, With blushing mien, and half-averted eyes, She views fair Chastity, and mournful sighs : E 58 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. While Wealth in vain would her sad breast compose, 95 Wealth nought alleviates Remorse's woes, Since without honor, and the name of wife. Corrosive sorrow cankers all her life. N U OF DELINEATION I V. DELINEATION V. SCENE— The City. MARIA. The youth who urg'J through Vice's wild to range. Oft sighs in secret, and demands a change, On heights sublime, fair Virtue's form appears, lie sees her beckon, and her call he hears ; Her winning smile his gen'rous bosom warms, And each mean passion with mild force disarms ; E 2 60 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. Sudden he starts, the high ascent to gain — Noble his aim, nought can his steps restrain : He climbs, but stops ; and faltering looks behind — Th' exalted purpose fades upon his mind. 10 Faint from below the voice of Pleasure calls. Habit impels him — down he basely falls ; Thus rose Lorenzo — thus he basely fell ; He flew to Vice, and bade the maid farewell. Chaotic grief rag'd in Maria's breast, 15 And for a while she sunk with gloom oppress'd ; At length words came, the words of soft ton'd wo, And thus she bids her And my gay tenderness their cares beguil'd. 66 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. Oft as I sung, or winded through the dance, They ey'd each other with a smiling glance ; Their joy-heav'd hreasts, with fond but false presage, Deem*d me the comfort of their comine aje. SO Restore my honor — no — -I ask no more, Soon shall my sorrows with my life be o'er. But yet I ask, and what I ask is due, To her who sacnfic'd her all to you ; "When kindling Virtue shall with sacred awe, 95 From Vice's walks your weaned footsteps draw, Seek the lone cottage where mv sire resides, Where Peace once dwelt, where Sorrow now presides ; Let Pity's hand dispel my parents' g'com, ICC And smooth the way that leads them to the tomb : And when my corse is number'd with the dead. Will not Lorenzo seek mv humble bed. SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. And while his bosom sad emo:i< n All softcn'd say — Ci For me Maria fell." KD OF DEI. IN EAT! ON -V. .67 DELINEATION VI. SCENE— The City. LORENZO and MARIA. Rous'o by repentance, and by slow disease, Lorenzo looks around in vain for ease ; The form of Vice he views with sad surprise, Calls on lost peace, and to Maria flies. *' Save me," he cries, "my much lov'd maid, O save ! 5 I fall unhonor'd to an early grave ! 70 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION* Horror pursues me with her dread alarms, I sink" — She clasps him in her folding arms; Mute with oppressive grief, she o'er him bends, While for his life her pray'r to Heav'n ascends; 10 Her bosom labors, and her eye o'erflows, And for Lorenzo she forgets her woes. As to the couch her trembling hands him lead, And on the pillow place his languid head, His burning heart with deep repentance burns, 15 And to the maid his suppliant eye he turns ; {i And do you thus," he sighs, "attendant wait? Pity my errors, and deplore my fate. Ah, lovely maid ! if e'er kind heav'n shall give Reviving health, to you alone I live. 20 My future life shall for ihe past atone, And in your pleasures I shall find my own." SORROWS OK SEDUCTION. 71 ;: Xo more," she interrupting cries, " no more ; My anger ceases when the cause is o'er. Sleep, dear Lorenzo, calm your thoughtful breast, 25 And while I watch you, se^k. the balm of rest. Sleep, dear Lorenzo, ev'ry care remove, And wake to health, to virtue, and to love." ' : Maria loves me! Ah, those words impart The sweetest solace to my throbbing heart." SO She motions silence, yet her soft-heav'd sigh, And his fond looks the want of words supply. They mute converse, by sympathy of soul, While fear and hope along their bosoms roll ; Xow their sad brows Grief's sombrous hue assume ; 35 As Fancy points them to the op'ning tomb: New Hope invites ihcm on her wings to soar, To view the sccr.es she promised oft before ; 72 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. She warms each feature with her kindling ray, That opes before them life's unclouded day. 40 Thus they converse, till Sleep's oblivious hand, Slow stealing soothes each sense to his command. Maria softly breathes, views his pale frame, And sighs, " Lorenzo, Ah, beloved name ! How chang'd! where is thy glowing look that charm'd, And where the smile that mv soft bosom warm'd? 26 Hadst thou, Lorenzo, on the rural plain, Far, very far from splendor, vice, and pain. Dwelt with the shepherd in his lowly cot, Pleas'd with his converse, and his humble lot, 50 Thy fond companion I, safe in thy arms, Had with my innocence preserv'd my charms, SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 73 Free mid tne blooming scenes of youth to rove, And taste the pleasures of connubial love, By love attracted, and by worth combin'd, 55 How great the transports of the virtuous mind ! But now — I hope — and yet my bosom fears," — And while she pauses, grief flows fast in tears. Again she views him as he slow respires, Prays Heav'n be kind, and on light foot retires. 60 Lorenzo sleeps — not as the labouring hind, Whom Virtue g lards, while Peace smiles in his mind ; Chann'd into life by sin-stain'd conscience dress'd, Terrific dreams usurp the aching breast ; Enthron'd in terror, with uire rage they lour 65 Along his soul, and fright each slumbering pow'r ; 74 SORROWS OF SEDUCTION'. His trembling frame the mental strife partakes, He starts, he groans, and from his slumber wakes ; Around he looks — a dreadful throng appear, To frenzied' fancy, pictur'd by his fear; To frenzied fancy rise a haggard host, 70 Guilt's fearful demon, and fair Virtue's ghost ; Terror assails him with appalling cries, And Fury menaces with flaming eyes ; With solemn pause Death points him to the tomb, 75 While Conscience cries — •' Reflect on Vice's doom." Memory rouses, and with bursting rage, Recals the past, the scenes of former age ; His murder'd virtues to his view displays, The murdcr'd pleasures of his happier days ; 80 — His eye roils round the dimly-lighted walls ; He fearful sinks, and on Maria calls ! SORROWS OF SEDUCTION. 75 Maria enters, light she moves along, Views pale Lorenzo — silent is her tongue ; Fix'd is her gaze, uplifted are her hands, 85 As mute the picture of wan grief she stands: <; O dear Lorenzo!" — "Hush," he frantic cries, 4: O; guard me — see their terror-Hashing eves ! 'Tis I, Lorenzo !" — Wild he stares around, Yet in his frenzy knows the soothing sound ; 90 —Reason and sense, at length, from mid the gloom, Triumphant soar, and their lost rights resume. They silent look, and in their looks appear, How much they hope, and vet how much they fed!. He faintlv smiles, his smiles infuse a joy. . 95 Which so