CONVOLVULI AND MIGNIONETTE. (BEAUTY AND SWEETNESS.) How well two maidens may be imaged here! That with the richest colour deeply glows, To draw the idle stare of wandering eyes, How well the young and fair are here shown forth! Above all other wealth. E'en like this flower, Of fragile short-lived loveliness before The flattering beams of the deceitful sun, And basks her in his light, and thinks, poor bud Of foolish vanity that such will last: But soon the noontide glare falls scorchingly Upon her waning charms-she hangs her head Her boasted beauty shrivels and decays, Now look ye on the plain and modest guise So loved for her sweet qualities, that I And countless minor beauties of the mind, Attach our hearts in deep affection still. |