First Farewell to J.G.

Farewell my dearer half, joy of my heart,

Heaven only knows how loth I am to part:

Whole Months but hours seem, when you are here,

When absent, every Minute is a Year:

Might I but always see thy charming Face,

I’de live on Racks, and wish no easier place.

But we must part, your Interest says we must;

Fate, me no longer with such Treasure trust.

I wou’d not tax you with Inconstancy,

Yet Strephon, you are not so kind as I:

No Interest, no nor Fate it self has pow’r

To tempt me from the Idol I adore:

But since you needs will go, may Africk be

Kinder to you, than Europe is to me:

May all you meet and every thing you view

Give you such Transport as I met in you.

May no sad thoughts disturb your quiet mind,

Except you’l think of her you left behind.