RETROSPECT OF YOUTH.

I wander'd forth amid the flow'rs, And careless sipp'd the morning air; Nor hail'd the angel-winged hours, Nor saw that Happiness was there! Alas! I often since have wept That Gratitude unconscious slept!

For Truth and Pity then were young, And walk'd in simple, narrow bounds; Affection's meek, assuasive tongue, Had sweet, but most capricious sounds. Once, wild with scornful pride, she fled, And only turn'd to seek the dead!

Oh! from a garden of delight, What fair memento did I bring! What amaranth of colours bright, To mark the promise of my spring? Behold this flow'r! its leaves are wet, With tears of lasting, vain regret!