A Question of Disputed Authorship - Craven or Carlisle?
In the anthology Poems on various subjects , edited by Thomas Tomkins in 1804, we find “A Prayer for Indifference” by Mrs Greville.[1] Sweet airy being, wanton sprite, That lurk'st in woods unseen, And oft by Cynthia's silver light Trip'st gaily o'er the green; Oh! deign once more t'exert thy power; Haply some herb or tree, Sov’reign as juice of western flower, Conceals a balm for me. I ask no kind return of love, No tempting charm to please: Far from the heart those gifts remove, That sighs for peace and ease. Nor peace nor ease the heart can know, Which, like the needle true, Turns at the touch of joy or woe, - But, turning, trembles too. Far as distress the soul can wound, 'Tis pain in each degree: 'Tis bliss but to a certain bound; Beyond, is agony. Take then this treacherous sense of mine, Which dooms me still to smart: Which pleasure can to pain refine; To pains new pangs impart. Oh, haste to shed the sacred balm, My s...