Phillis The Fair

written in 1793

While larks with little wing Fann'd the pure air, Viewing the breathing spring, Forth I did fare: Gay the sun's golden eye Peep'd o'er the mountains high; Such thy morn! did I cry, Phillis the fair. In each bird's careless song, Glad, I did share; While yon wild flowers among Chance led me there: Sweet to the opening day, Rosebuds bent the dewy spray; Such thy bloom, did I say, Phillis the fair. Down in a shady walk, Doves cooing were; I mark'd the cruel hawk, Caught in a snare: So kind may Fortune be, Such make his destiny! He who would injure thee, Phillis the fair.