Joanna Baillie - A Melancholy Lover's Farewell To His Mistress lyrics

DEAR Phillis, all my hopes are o'er And I shall see thy face no more. Since every secret wish is vain, I will not stay to give thee pain. Then do not drop thy lowering brow, But let me bless thee ere I go: Oh! do not scorn my last adieu! I've loved thee long, and loved thee true. The prospects of my youth are crost, My health is flown, my vigour lost; My soothing friends augment my pain, And cheerless is my native plain; Dark o'er my spirits hangs the gloom, And thy disdain has fixed my doom. But light waves ripple o'er the sea That soon shall bear me far from thee; And, wheresoe'er our course is cast, I know will bear me to my rest. Full deep beneath the briny wave, Where lie the venturous and brave, A place may be for me decreed; But, should the winds my pa**age speed, Far hence upon a foreign land, Whose sons perhaps with friendly hand The stranger's lowly tomb may raise, A broken heart will end my days. But Heaven's blessing on thee rest! And may no troubles vex thy breast! Perhaps, when pensive and alone, You'll think of me when I am gone, And gentle tears of pity shed, When I am in my narrow bed. But softly will thy sorrows flow And greater mayest thou never know! Free from all worldly care and strife, Long mayest thou live a happy life! And every earthly blessing find, Thou loveliest of woman kind: Yea, blest thy secret wishes be, Though cruel thou hast proved to me! And dost thou then thine arm extend? And may I take thy lovely hand? And do thine eyes thus gently look, As though some kindly wish they spoke? My gentle Phillis, though severe, I do not grudge the ills I bear; But still my greatest grief will be To think my love has troubled thee. Oh do not scorn this swelling grief! The laden bosom seeks relief; Nor yet this infant weakness blame, For thou hast made me what I am. Hark now! the sailors call away, No longer may I lingering stay. May peace within thy mansion dwell! O gentle Phillis, fare thee well!