But leaving thee, dull plant, by night
I’d meet my Phillis with delight.
TO CLARA.[258]
BY HENRY, VISCOUNT BOLINGBROKE.
Dear thoughtless Clara, to my verse attend,
Believe for once the lover and the friend;
Heav’n to each sex has various gifts assign’d,
And shown an equal care of human kind.
Strength does to man’s imperial race belong;