The poem
THE MAIDEN.
I'VE seen him before me! What rapture steals o'er me!
Oh heavenly sight! He's coming to meet me; Perplex'd, I retreat me,
With shame take to flight. My mind seems to wander! Ye rocks and trees yonder,
Conceal ye my rapture.
Conceal my delight!
THE YOUTH.
'Tis here I must find her, 'Twas here she enshrined her,
Here vanish'd from sight. She came, as to meet me, Then fearing to greet me,
With shame took to flight. Is't hope? Do I wander? Ye rocks and trees yonder,
Disclose ye the loved one,
Disclose my delight!
THE LANGUISHING.
O'er my sad, fate I sorrow, To each dewy morrow,
Veil'd here from man's sight By the many mistaken, Unknown and forsaken,
Here I wing my flight! Compassionate spirit! Let none ever hear it,--
Conceal my affliction,
Conceal thy delight!
THE HUNTER.
To-day I'm rewarded; Rich booty's afforded
By Fortune so bright. My servant the pheasants, And hares fit for presents
Takes homeward at night; Here see I enraptured In nets the birds captured!--
Long life to the hunter!
Long live his delight!
1789.