Verses sent to a young Woman, with a Carnation growing in a Flower-Pot

While this gay flower attracts thy eager sight, And gives to every feeling sense delight, Let its best use thy better thoughts employ, And yield thee profit, while it gives thee joy. Like thee in beauty's fairest noon it blows, Flames as the sun, and as the ruby glows; But time, that fixes every mortal's sate, Marks its short exit, and uncertain date. Thus the bright charms of youth and love decay, As the fine flower that scents a summer's day; Soon will the spoils of time thy mind engage, And e'en thy beauty wither into age; Amid the frolics of engaging youth, Be thine the care to hoard the charms of truth; To mark the moment fancy's pow'rs decay And place thy bliss beyond the fleeting day.