In vain would Pride, and manly Sense, unbind
The cruel fetter that enslaves my mind;
That cruel fetter five long years I wore,
Yet feel that I could wear it fifty more;
Nor Wit can ease, nor Wisdom can remove,
Th' eternal bondage of that tyrant, Love.
Ah! P ETRARCH ! T ASSO ! fond, unhappy Pair!
Now, now, I own the truth of your despair;
And while the Charmer's flight my soul pursues,
Confess a Mortal triumphs o'er the Muse!