The fatal hours are wondrous near, br That from these fountains bear my dear; br A little space is given; in vain br She robs my sight, and shuns the plain. br br A little space, for me to prove br My boundless flame, my endless love; br And, like the train of vulgar hours, br Invidious Time that space devours. br br Near yonder beech is Delia's way, br On that I gaze the livelong day; br No eastern monarch's dazzling pride br Should draw my longing eyes aside. br br The chief that knows of succours nigh, br And sees his mangled legions die, br Casts not a more impatient glance br To see the loitering aids advance. br br Not more the schoolboy, that expires br Far from his native home, requires br To see some friend's familiar face, br Or meet a parent's last embrace- br br She comes-but, ah! what crowds of beaus br In radiant bands my fair enclose! br Oh! better hadst thou shunn'd the green; br Oh, Delia! better far unseen.