From the Archives

Many years ago I was lucky enough to stumble upon a book of days, the subject of which was 18th century lovers, published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1989.  It is a delightful little book full of pictures and poems.  In honour of Valentine's Day I publish the following poem:

The Progress of Love

by Robert Dodsley 1703-1764

Beneath the myrtle's secret shade,

When Delia blessed my eyes;

At first I viewed the lovely maid

In silent soft surprise.

With trembling voice, and anxious mind,

I softly whispered love;

She blushed a smile so sweetly kind,

Did all my fears remove.

Her lovely yielding form I pressed,

Sweet maddening kisses stole;

And soon her swimming eyes confessed

The wishes of her soul:

In wild tumultuous bliss, I cry,

'O Delia, now be kind!"

She pressed me close, and with a sigh,

To melting joys resigned.