In camps about the centre I appear; In smiling meadows seen throughout the year; The silent angler views me in the streams, And love-sick maidens in their morning dreams; First in each mob conspicuous I stand, Proud of the lead, and double in command; Without my power no mercy can be shown, Or soft compassion to their hearts be known; Each sees me in himself, yet all agree Their hearts and persons have no charms for me; The chymist proves my virtue upon ore, For touch'd by me, he changes it to more.What does “I” refer to?
(Appeared in: The Masquerade, Volume 1, 1797.)