16 THE FABLES OF FLORA. 



" Go, splendid sycophant! no more 

 " Display thy soft seductive arts! 



" The flattering clime of courts explore, 

 ** Nor spoil the convent's simple hearts. 



" To me their praise more justly due, 

 " Of longer bloom, and happier grace! 



" Whom changing months unaltered view, 

 " And find them in my fond embrace.'* 



" How well," the modest flower replied, 

 " Can Envy's wrested eye elude 



"The obvious bounds that still divide 

 " Foul Flattery from fair Gratitude. 



" My duteous praise each hour I pay, 

 " For few the hours that I must live; 



" And give to him my little day, 

 " Whose grace another day may give. 



