peace!— That promises a more propitious fate; But thou, sweet girl! the same blest news relate; Chase from thy fancy every shade of fear; Wipe from thy cheek that ill-beseeming tear; And tell thy lover all;—he burns to hear.     DELIA.   When Damon first his amorous suit addrest Thou long had'st reign'd the sovereign of my breast; My love, my heart, my soul were vow'd to thee, And none but Colin could have charms for me. With scorn, thou know'st, his courtship I declined: O, that my thoughts had sway'd my father's mind! But Damon's ampler wealth, which I despised, Too much, alas! my doting father prized. What were thy words that sad, that trying hour, When, in submission to paternal power, I sacrificed the feelings of my heart, And faltering told thee we were doom'd to part? 'Part!—must we part, my Delia?' did'st thou say, 'Alas! 'tis Virtue's law; we must obey; But still, to render absence less severe, Let us, my Love, Hope's pleasing dictates hear. Little of Damon, yet, thy father knows: Time his perfidious purpose will disclose; Then will thy sire his hasty choice repent; And to our loves, perhaps, may yield consent. Meanwhile beware, my Delia, O beware! Lest Damon's arts thine innocence insnare.' Such were thy parting words. Now, Colin, hear! Then will thy words prophetical appear. Each night the favourite of my parents came To boast the matchless ardour of his flame; Still did he teaze me with his flattering strain;— Fool, to suppose his praise could make me vain! At length a favouring hour the traitor chose, And dared his wicked purpose to disclose.     COLIN.   Did he? O heaven! the impostor could not dare; I would, my Love, thy Colin had been there!     DELIA.   Just then, most luckily, my sire returned: Surprised, enraged, his Damon's guilt he learn'd: Then banish'd him, (his advocate no more,) With vengeful threats for ever from his door.     COLIN.   Look! how the glorious Sun, as he ascends, His radiance o'er the dew-bright earth extends, While the last fogs of conquer'd night retreat, And Nature welcomes the reviving heat: So thy returning smiles, indulgent fair! Dispel my fears and every jealous care.     DELIA.   No less delight to me thy smiles impart, Diffusing sunshine through my raptured heart; Hope, like yon lark, has spread her drooping wings, And, mounting up to heaven, her carol sings.     COLIN.   Observe, my Love, the beauties of the scene; The youthful year puts forth its tender green; Awakened Flora bids her flowerets rise, Opening their colours to the genial skies; Winter is fled; fair Spring's melodious voice Whispers, in every balmy breeze, rejoice!     DELIA.   The sparkling rills dance warbling in their beds; The trees with gladness lift their fresh, green heads; From yonder wood responsive cuckoos sing; The swallow skims the stream, and dips his wing.     COLIN.   Objects and sounds of joy! yet, Delia, these, Unaided by thy presence, would not please; Though thousand charms and harmonies unite, Thy favour only crowns the full delight.     DELIA.   Now, Colin, duty summons me away; Gladly I would, but must no longer stay.     COLIN.   When duty summons we resist in vain: Yet tell me, kindest Delia, once again,— To give me courage unalarm'd to part, And soothe, till next we meet, my restless heart,— O tell me art thou now for ever mine?     DELIA.   Yes, Colin, now I am for ever thine.