University of Virginia Library


148

IMPROMPTU ON ------.

When Myra bloom'd at gay fifteen,
Mankind proclaim'd her beauty's queen,
And ev'ry heart ador'd her:
Now Myra trembles at three-score;
The barb'rous sex, alas! no more
A single glance afford her!
Now slander occupies her hours!
And spleen her wither'd form devours,
Of “envious fate” complaining!
'Tis thus we see the rose decay,
And all its beauties fade away,
The thorn alone remaining!