quote · Legacy record
If the soft hand of winning pleasure leads By living waters and through flowery meads, Where all is smiling, tranquil, and serene; And vernal beauty paints the flattering scene; Oh! teach me to elude each latent snare, And whisper to my sliding heart—Beware! With caution let me hear the syren’s voice, And doubtful with a trembling heart rejoice.
If the soft hand of winning pleasure leads By living waters and through flowery meads, Where all is smiling, tranquil, and serene; And vernal beauty paints the flattering scene; Oh! teach me to elude each latent snare, And whisper to my sliding heart—Beware! With caution let me hear the syren’s voice, And doubtful with a trembling heart rejoice.
Approximate author period: c. 1784 AD · early modern
Meaning not yet available
An individual explanation has not yet been added. We do not substitute a generic description for an interpretation of these particular words.
Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Mrs. Barbauld
Attribution: attributed - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Approximate author period: c. 1784 AD · early modern
author lifetime midpoint (1743–1825)
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 446 · printed citation: Mrs. Barbauld · subject: PLEASING—PLEASURE
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.