FLY NOT YET

Fly not yet; 'tis just the hour When pleasure, like the midnight flower That scorns the eye of vulgar light, Begins to bloom for sons of night, And maids who love the moon. 'Twas but to bless these hours of shade That beauty and the moon were made; 'Tis then their soft attractions glowing Set the tides and goblets flowing Oh ! stay, -oh ! stay, Joy so seldom weaves a chain Like this to-night, that, oh! 'tis pain To break it's links so soon. Fly not yet; the fount that play'd In times of old through Ammon's shade Though icy cold by day it ran, Yet still, like souls' of mirth, began To burn when night was near, And thus should woman's heart and looks At noon be cold as winter brooks, Nor kindled till the night, returning Brings their genial hour for burning. Oh ! stay, -oh ! stay,- When did morning ever break, And find such beaming eyes awake As those that sparkle here?