TO BETTIE.
Why, beauteous Bettie, longer shed
Pearly showers of causeless grief,
Why bend down that lovely head,
Like the autumn's rain-wash'd leaf?
Though in weeping, sad distress,
Thy dear charms have lovelier grown,
As drench'd Nature o'er her dress,
Wears the rainbow's splendid zone.
Yet why shed those beaded pearls
From those eyes of softest blue,
And why loose those auburn curls
O'er that sweet neck's damask hue?
Every liquid, falling gem,
Flashing like the diamond's ray,
In an eastern diadem,
Let me kiss them all away.
Then, from out this stormy gloom,
Thy dear smile shall brightly steal;
O'er my heart's enliven'd bloom,
O'er the joy thy thoughts reveal.
Why, beauteous Bettie! longer shed,
Showers of pearls so bright to see?
Bid dark doubt be quickly sped,
I am faithful still to thee.