University of Virginia Library


103

LADY! THINE EYE IS BRIGHT

Lady! thine eye is bright—
Boast of it well,
While youth and delight
In its airy beam dwell:
Fast comes the hour
When its light must away—
Portent the power
That bids beauty decay.
Lady! thy lip is red—
Be proud, lady, proud;
Rejoice ere its bloom is shed
Under the shroud.
When the sod presses you,
Pleasure is gone;
When the worm kisses you,
Raptures are done.
Lady! rejoice—
Triumph has crowned you;
List to the voice
Of flatt'ry around you.
Forget that your bright day
Brings darkness behind it;
Forget while you may,
You will soon be reminded!