Prolong the blessing, and preserve thee mine!

To thee, whose charms gave first the enamoring wound,

And my wild youth in marriage fetters bound;

To thee submissive, I received the rein,

Nor sigh for change, but hug the pleasing chain.

And thou hast listened, with entranced desire,

The first rude sounds that would my lips inspire;

Thy watchful ear would snatch, with keen delight,

My verse, low-murmured through the live-long night.

To only thee my lengthened toils were known,