With some specimens address’d to Miss P.
These specimens from nature wild
I cull — to Ellen send,
From Alpine heights, where winter mild
Recalls the absent friend.
With whom in rougher seasons past
I’ve shar’d the cheerful hour;
Scenes in the mind of mem’ry cast,
That prove how great the pow’r.
Of poetry and friendship’s charm
Wit’s keen but baneful dart,
That flies to please, but not to harm
The unsuspecting heart.
My feelings simple present tell,
The mind’s fond pleasure o’er;
On Attic eves it loves to dwell
Tho’ seen the Chest no more!
In vain thro’ winter’s gloom I seek
The varied posy’s hue,
The crocus scarce attempts to peep
Thro’ misty rains and dew.
No vagrant flow’r the hills disclose
Or primrose cheers the vale,
Winds have impair’d the fasten’d rose
Nor violets scent the gale.
The dewdrops pale and tender frame
Could ill the pressure bear;
Else had my packet borne its name
And sweets to Ellen dear.
Yet moss more apt resemblance wears,
To friendship that’s sincere,
For tried by storms it still appears
Unchang’d throughout the year.
Then with it, I’d each wish enclose
Affection could impart,
Content with health’s unfading rose
And happiness of heart!
Then such the New Years wish I send,
Tho’ late conveyance came;
Accept it Ellen from a friend
In distance still the same.