To Henry, Written to a Russian Air

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How I hail this morn's appearing!
 It will thee, my love, restore:
Safety danger past endearing,
 Sure we meet to part no more!

Fame is thine, lo! crowds aver it,
 And her smile is dear to thee;
But I charge thee, don't prefer it
 E'er again to home and me.

Thou, thy country's call obeying,
 Hast her battles nobly fought;
And, thy ready zeal repaying,
 See, she gives the laurels sought.

But have I no claims, my rover?
 Claims as fondly dear to thee?
Yes, O yes! and, wandering over,
 Thou wilt rest with love and me.

Ha! methinks, thy glances reading,
 From thine eyes my fate I know;
Duty still love's claim impeding,
 Thou again must seek the foe.

Of my fears too dread revival!
Yet, with tearful joy I see,
 Duty is the only rival
Potent over love and me.

© Amelia Opie