The Poetical Works of the Right Hon. George Granville, Lord Lansdowne/85

by George Granville

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SONGS.

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THYRSIS AND DELIA.
SONG IN DIALOGUE.

THYRSIS.

Delia! how long muſt I deſpair,
And tax you with diſdain,
Still to my tender love ſevere,
Untouch’d when I complain?

Del. When men of equal merit love us,5
And do with equal ardour ſue,
Thyrſis! you know but one muſt move us.
Can I be your’s and Strephon’s too?

My eyes view both with mighty pleaſure,
Impartial to your high deſert;10
To both alike eſteem I meaſure;
To one alone can give my heart.

Thyr. Myſterious guide of inclination,
Tell me, Tyrant! why am I,
With equal merit, equal paſſion,15
Thus the victim choſen to die?
Why am I
The victim choſen to die?

Del. On Fate alone depends ſucceſs,
And fancy reaſon over-rules,20
Or why ſhould virtue ever miſs
Reward, ſo often giv’n to fools?

’T is not the valiant nor the witty,
But who alone is born to pleaſe:
Love does predeſtinate our pity;
We chuſe but whom he firſt decrees.26