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Edwin and Emma 



Far in the windings of a vale , 

 Fast by a sheltering wood , 

 The safe retreat of health and peace ; 

 An humble cottage stood. 



There beauteous Emma flourish'd fair , 



Beneath a mother's eye; 



Whose only wish on earth was now 



To see her blest, and die. 

 The softest blush that nature spreads 



Gave colour to her cheek : 



Such orient colour smiles through heaven ,. 



When vernai mornings break. 



Nor let the pride of great ones scorn 

 This charmer of the plains: 

 That sun, who bids their diamond blaze 

 To paint our lily deigns. 



Long had She fill'd each youth v/ith love , 

 Each maiden -with despair ; 

 Aud though by ali a wonder own'd , 

 Yet kne-w not she -was fair . 



Till Edwin carne , the pride of swains 

 A soul devoid of art ; 

 And from whose eye , serenely mild , 

 Shone forth the feeling heart. 



A mutuai fame was quickly caught, 

 Was quickly too reveal'd: 

 For neither bosom lodg'd a wish, 

 That virtue keeps conceal'd. 



What happy hours of home-felt bliss 

 Did love on both bestow ! 

 But bliss too mighty long to last , 

 Where fortune proves a foe. 



