Lines

TO MISS CHINNERY, OF GILLWELL-HOUSE,

Upon her appearing in a Dress

WITH MAY-FLOWERS AND LEAVES TASTEFULLY DISPLAYED.

Tell me what taught thee to display A choice so sweet, and yet so rare, To prize the modest buds of May Beyond the diamond’s prouder glare?

Say, was the grateful pref’rence paid To Nature, since, with skill divine, So many fairy charms she made, To grace her fav’rite Caroline?

Or was it Taste that bade thee try How soon the richest gem must yield, In beauty and attractive die, To this wild blossom of the field?

Whate’er the cause, in Nature’s glow Well does the choice thyself pourtray; Thine innocence the blossoms show, Thy youth the green leaves well display.

SONG.

Ah! if my voice is heard in vain, This fond, this falling, tear May yet thy dire intent restrain, May yet dissolve my fear.

Th’ unsparing wound that lays thee low Will bend thy Julia too: Could she survive the fatal blow Who only lives in you?