The night her silent sable wore,
And gloomy were the skies,
Of glitt'ring stars appear'd no more,
Than those in Nelly's eyes.
When to her father's door I came,
Where I had often been,
I begg'd my fair my lovely dame,
To rise, and let me in.

But she, with accents all divine,
Did my fond suit reprove;
And while she chid my rash design,
She but inflam'd my love.
Her beauty oft had pleas'd before,
While her bright eyes did roll.
But virtue only had the pow'r
To charm my very soul.

 ... 

Now happy in my Nelly's love,
Transporting is my joy,
No greater blessing can I prove;
So bless'd a man am I.
For beauty may a while retain
The conquer'd flutt'ring heart,
But virtue only is the chain
Holds, never to depart.