TO GEORGIANA (CIRCA 1775) (A translation from the French)

Posted by Admin on 27 January 2008, 12:00 am

Enchantress, condescend to tell,
how love you brave and yet portray:
now Nymph, now Sylphide, all your spell
proclaims the wanton Cupid’s sway:
in ev’ry guise your acts entire,
sweet thoughts of him anew inspire.
When walking, in your gown ’tis he
who moves and there disporting rides;
your ribbons he entwines with glee,
while ’neath their waving folds he hides.
Each canopy an emblem gay,
of games ’tis his delight to play.
He thus embellishes your charm,
prolific source of Cupid’s darts;
nor does his artlessness disarm
your watchful guard against his parts.
For proud, and jealous in your pride,
his barbéd shafts you turn aside.
Full oft in frolic he is seen,
upon your features wondrous fair,
there, with the Graces, ever keen,
his joyous mood he loves to share.
Then your success against his jokes,
a smile of mischief still evokes.
If now your fancy ’tis to write,
the Boy is ready to dictate:
and list’ning, in your song’s delight,
his sighs, they think, reverberate.
We see him gleaming in your eyes,
epitome of youthful sport;
around your feet he sometimes flies,
those dainty footsteps to escort.
In you the talents they admire,
are multiplied at Love’s desire.