The vain pursuit

Forbear, gentle youth, to pursue me in vain.

Thy anguish I pity but cannot remove;

The ills I inflict I am doom'd to sustain,

Nor shalt thou alone be the victim of love.

My Sandy was beautiful, happy and wise,

In ev'ry accomplishment destin'd to shine;

He had wit for all tastes, he had charms for all eyes,

Alas! the dear youth was too charming for mine.

Still fortune relentless our union denied,

In quest of more treasure to India he went;

But there, hapless youth, to my sorrow he died,

And left me for ever his fate to lament.

Gay hopes and delightful presages adieu,

Adieu ye soft whispers of tender desire;

From thee, my dear swain, these emotions first grew,

In deep disappointment with thee they expire.