Ode, Written 1739

Urit spes animi credula mutui.-Hor. Imitation. Fond hope of a reciprocal desire Inflames the breast. 'Twas not by beauty's aid alone That Love usurp'd his airy throne, His boasted power display'd; 'Tis kindness that secures his aim, 'Tis hope that feeds the kindling flame Which beauty first convey'd. In Clara's eyes the lightning view; Her lips with all the rose's hue Have all its sweets combined; Yet vain the blush, and faint the fire, Till lips at once, and eyes, conspire To prove the charmer kind-- Though wit might gild the tempting snare With softest accent, sweetest air, By envy's self admired; If Lesbia's wit betray'd her scorn, In vain might every Grace adorn What every Muse inspired. Thus airy Strephon tuned his lyre- He scorn'd the pangs of wild desire, Which lovesick swains endure; Resolved to brave the keenest dart, Since frowns could never wound his heart; And smiles-must ever cure. But, ah! how false these maxims prove, How frail security from love, Experience hourly shows; Love can imagined smiles supply; On every charming lip and eye Eternal sweets bestows. In vain we trust the fair one's eyes; In vain the sage explores the skies, To learn from stars his fate; Till, led by fancy wide astray, He finds no planet mark his way; Convinced and wise-too late. As partial to their words we prove, Then boldly join the lists of love, With towering hopes supplied: So heroes, taught by doubtful shrines, Mistook their deity's designs; Then took the field-and died.