IANTHE. Drawn by R. Westall, R.A., from the original Picture painted at the request of Lord Byron. TO IANTHE. "Not in those climes where I have late been straying, Though beauty long hath there been matchless deem'd; Not in those visions to the heart displaying Forms which it sighs but to have only dream'd, Hath aught like thee in truth or fancy seem'd: Nor, having seen thee, shall I vainly seek To paint those charms which varied as they beam'd- To those who gaze on thee, what language could they speak? Ah! may'st thou ever be what now thou art, Before whose heavenly hues all sorrow disappears. Young Peri of the West!-'tis well for me Happier, that while all younger hearts shall bleed, To those whose admiration shall succeed, But mix'd with pangs to Love's even loveliest hours decreed. Oh! let that eye, which, wild as the gazelle's, Wins as it wanders, dazzles where it dwells, Such is thy name with this my verse entwined; My days once number'd, should this homage past Of him who hail'd thee, loveliest as thou wast, Such is the most my memory may desire; Though more than Hope can claim, could Friendship less require?" |