A Soliloquy

Walter Harte (1709–1774)

Occasioned by the Chirping of a Grasshopper

HAPPY insect! ever blest

With a more than mortal rest,

Rosy dews the leaves among,

Humble joys, and gentle song!

Wretched poet! ever curst

With a life of lives the worst,

Sad despondence, restless fears,

Endless jealousies and tears.

In the burning summer thou

Warblest on the verdant bough,

Meditating cheerful play,

Mindless of the piercing ray;

Scorched in Cupid’s fervors, I

Ever weep and ever die.

Proud to gratify thy will,

Ready Nature waits thee still;

Balmy wines to thee she pours,

Weeping through the dewy flowers,

Rich as those by Hebe given

To the thirsty sons of heaven.

Yet, alas, we both agree.

Miserable thou like me!

Each, alike, in youth rehearses

Gentle strains and tender verses;

Ever wandering far from home,

Mindless of the days to come

(Such as aged Winter brings

Trembling on his icy wings),

Both alike at last we die;

Thou art starved, and so am I!