Ah, Chloris! could I now but sit br As unconcern'd as when br Your infant beauty could beget br No happiness or pain! br When I the dawn used to admire, br And praised the coming day, br I little thought the rising fire br Would take my rest away. br br Your charms in harmless childhood lay br Like metals in a mine; br Age from no face takes more away br Than youth conceal'd in thine. br But as your charms insensibly br To their perfection prest, br So love as unperceived did fly, br And centred in my breast. br br My passion with your beauty grew, br While Cupid at my heart, br Still as his mother favour'd you, br Threw a new flaming dart: br Each gloried in their wanton part; br To make a lover, he br Employ'd the utmost of his art- br To make a beauty, she.