To Health
by the late john johnston, esq.
Health! dearest of the heavenly powers,
With thee to pass my evening hours,
Ah! deign to hear my prayer;
For what can wealth or beauty give,
If still in anguish doomed to live
A slave to pain and care.
Not sovereign power, nor charms of love,
Nor social joys the heart can move,
If thou refuse thy aid;
E’en friendship, sympathy divine!
Does, in thy absence, faintly shine,
Thou all-inspiring maid.
Return then, to my longing soul,
Which sighs to feel thy sweet control
Transfused through every pore;
My muse, enraptured, then shall sing
Thee—gift of heaven’s all bounteous king,
And gratefully adore.
February 4, 1807.