CCLXVII.
Reading edition
JESSY.
Tune—“Here’s a health to them that’s awa.”
[Written in honour of Miss Jessie Lewars, now Mrs. Thomson. Her tender and daughter-like attentions soothed the last hours of the dying poet, and if immortality can be considered a recompense, she has been rewarded.]
I.
Here’s a health to ane I lo’e dear; Here’s a health to ane I lo’e dear; Thou art sweet as the smile when fond lovers meet, And soft as their parting tear—Jessy!
II.
Altho’ thou maun never be mine, Altho’ even hope is denied; ’Tis sweeter for thee despairing, Then aught in the world beside—Jessy!
III.
I mourn through the gay, gaudy day, As, hopeless, I muse on thy charms: But welcome the dream o’ sweet slumber, For then I am lockt in thy arms—Jessy!
IV.
I guess by the dear angel smile, I guess by the love rolling e’e; But why urge the tender confession ‘Gainst fortune’s fell cruel decree?—Jessy! Here’s a health to ane I lo’e dear; Here’s a health to ane I lo’e dear; Thou art sweet as the smile when fond lovers meet, And soft as their parting tear—Jessy!