THE FABLES OF FLORA. 15 



Such duty in a flower displayed 



The holy sisters smiled to see. 

 Forgave the Pagan rites it paid, 



And loved its fond idolatry. 



But painful still, though meant for kind. 

 The praise that falls on Envy's ear! 



O'er the dim window's arch intwined. 

 The canker'd Ivy chanced to hear. 



And " See," she cried, " that specious flower, 

 " Whose flattering bosom courts the sun, 



" The pageant of a gilded hour, 

 " The convent's simple hearts hath won! 



" Obsequious meanness! ever prone 

 " To watch the patron's turning eye; 



** No will, no motion of its own ! 



*^ 'Tis this they love, for this they sigh : 



