Farewell Thou Stream

written in 1794

Farewell, thou stream that winding flows Around Eliza's dwelling; O mem'ry, spare the cruel thoes Within my bosom swelling: Condemn'd to drag a hopeless chain, And yet in secret languish; To feel a fire in every vein, Nor dare disclose my anguish. Love's veriest wretch, unseen, unknown I fain my griefs would cover; The bursting sigh, th' unweeting groan, Betray the hapless lover: I know thou doom'st me to despair, Nor wilt, nor canst relieve me; But, Oh Eliza, hear one prayer, For pity's sake forgive me! The music of thy voice I heard, Nor wist while it enslav'd me; I saw thine eyes, yet nothing fear'd, Till fears no more had sav'd me: Th' unwary Sailor thus, aghast, The wheeling torrent viewing, Mid circling horrors sinks at last, In overwhelming ruin.