FLORA AND THALIA. 85 



THE NARCISSUS. 



Heue young Narcissus o'er the fountain stood, 

 And viewed his image in the crystal flood ; 

 The crystal flood reflects his lovely charms, 

 And the pleased image strives to meet his arms. 

 No nymph his unexperienced breast subdued, 

 Echo in vain the flying boy pursued. 

 Himself alone, the foolish youth admires, 

 And with fond look the smiling shade desires ; 

 O'er the smooth lake with fruitless tears he grieves ; 

 His spreading fingers shoot in verdant leaves; 

 Through his pale veins green sap now gently flows. 

 And in a short lived flow'r his beauty blows. 

 Let vain Narcissus warn each female breast, 

 That beauty's but a transient good at best ; 

 Like flow'rs it withers with th' advancing year, 

 And age like winter robs the blooming fair. 



