A Collection of Poems :: :: University of Virginia Library

While you, Dorinda, cull each fragrant Flow'r,
And rob the Garden of it's balmy Store;
Or teach the Bloom, obedient to your Hand,
In tempting Rows, and posied Ranks to stand;
Each shining Range to beauteous Order brought,
Expressive Emblem of your lively Thought!
Ah lovely Nymph, forget not your own Frame,
How much it is, or much appears the same;
Tho' you in Charms all flow'ry, bloom to Day,
Not Roses brighter, nor the Pink more gay;
The Rose in Blossom will not always last,
As soon, the Pink will find it's Fragrance waste;

Each Flower ungather'd, useless must decay,
And all it's fading Glories end in Clay,
Not seen, nor smell'd, nor prais'd, nor talk'd of, more;
And Flesh is Grass, and Beauty but a Flower.
What then remains, but that you well improve
The present Time, so form'd for Bliss and Love?
While Youth and Pleasure ev'ry Sense invite
To melting Joys, and exquisite Delight.
O why should you the sweets of Life deny,
And those soft Hours of Rapture not enjoy!
Embrace the kind Occasion while 'tis here,
A happy Spring foretels a happy Year.