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DELIA.
Her tender smiles shall pay me with delight
For many a bitter pang of jealous fear;
For many an anxious day and sleepless night,
For many a stifled sigh and silent tear.
Delia shall come and bless my lone retreat:
She does not scorn the shepherd's lowly life;
She will not blush to leave the splendid seat,
And own the title of a poor man's wife.
The simple knot shall bind her gathered hair,
The russet garment clasp her lovely breast;
Delia shall mix among the rural fair,
By charms alone distinguished from the rest.
And meek Simplicity, neglected maid,
Shall bid my fair in native graces shine;
She, only she, shall lend her modest aid,
Chaste, sober priestess, at sweet Beauty's shrine!
