EVANDER TO EMILLIA .

Why dart those eyes their scornful fires on me?
What is my crime, unjust E MILLIA , say? —
Yes, I am guilty! — but no guilt towards thee
My conscious sighs, my starting tears betray.

This heart its thankless coldness should deplore,
Too beauteous despot, at an higher shrine,
Lost, as I seem, in life's meridian hour,
To all created excellence but thine.

Yon gorgeous sun, no more my light by day,
For me the moon's soft, shadowy shining vain;
Me, nor the rose delights, in bright array,
Me, nor the silver lily of the plain.

Before thy charms the blooming season fades,
A love delirious, with tyrannic sway,
Absorbs my every thought, my soul pervades,
Thy frown my darkness, and thy smile my day!

Then may injurious jealousy be driven
Far from thy heart, and all its peace return!
Instruct me to reform my crime to Heaven,
But love me dearer for the guilt I mourn!