YE beauties! O how great the sum Of sweetness that ye bring; On what a charity ye come To bless the latter spring! How kind the visit that ye pay, Like strangers on a rainy day, When heartiness despaired of guests: No neighbour's praise your pride alarms, No rival flow'r surveys your charms, Or heightens, or contests! Lo, through her works gay nature grieves How brief she is and frail, As ever o'er the falling leaves Autumnal winds prevail. Yet still the philosophic mind Consolatory food can find, And hope her anchorage maintain: We never are deserted quite; 'Tis by succession of delight That love supports his reign. |