ELEGY
.
TO
ALMERIA
.
HAIL
,
blissful
scenes
of
early
youth
,
So
sacred
once
to
love
and
truth
,
When
my
Almeria
,
matchless
maid
,
With
angel
charms
,
adorn'd
the
shade
;
Regardless
of
each
fond
delight
,
Though
time
pursu'd
his
steady
flight
;
Yet
,
as
he
flew
,
around
his
wing
Gay
pleasure
twin'd
the
wreath
of
spring
,
Whilst
Hope
,
fair
daughter
of
the
sky
,
With
golden
tress
and
azure
eye
,
Benignant
turn'd
her
gladd'ning
lyre
,
And
bade
my
soul
to
bliss
aspire
;
But
now
no
more
along
these
plains
She
pours
her
sweet
seraphic
strains
;
No
more
Almeria
wanders
near
;
In
vain
,
alas
!
I
seek
her
here
:
Yet
,
as
by
fond
remembrance
led
,
My
fav'rite
scenes
I
pensive
tread
;
There
peaceful
shades
,
yon
conscious
grove
,
Restore
awhile
the
joys
of
love
.
Recalling
thus
the
blissful
past
,
For
ever
sweet
delusion
last
:
Nor
let
Oblivion's
gloomy
veil
From
Mem'ry
shroud
the
tender
tale
.