10 INTRODUCTORY VERSES. 



And drooping on its tender stem, 

 As the low night-wind swells, 



It seems in many a dew-drop gem, 

 Like Folly's Cap, and Bells; 



Rung by the wind in frolic play, 



Whene'er they sportive pass that way. 



The Musk Rose loads the evening breeze, 



With its own rich perfume, 

 Wafting far incense thro' the trees, 



From its thick clustering bloom ; 

 Charming, as Beauty's palmiest hours, 



Capricious as its smiles, 

 One Summer sees it crown'd with flowers, 



The next no breezy wiles 

 Can lure one bud, where thousands smiled, — 

 And hence capricious Beauty styled. 



And what is beauty? — lo, the sun 



That left the blooming spray, 

 Shines once again the boughs upon — 



The Roses — where are they? 

 Some strew with leaves the grassy plain, 



Flashing in crimson hue, 

 Some languish there, that ne'er again 



Shall drink the evening dew; 

 And fleeting Beauty's sadden'd close, 

 Is traced in the pale, wither'd Rose. 



