THE ENCHANTED PLANTS. 215 



For envy alone could suggest 



The rank malice that fell from your tongue, 

 And your censures completely expressed, 



That she's innocent, lovely, and young. 



" Pink and silver, like midsummer skies, 

 Is it thence you her blushes defame, 



That, amazed at her own brilliant dyes, 

 Nature once stooped to Art for a name ! 



"By thus over-shooting the mark, 

 Poor ill-nature defeats her own end ; 



As a glow-worm's more bright in the dark, 

 You're but foils to my beautiful friend ; 



" Doomed malicious old virgins to fade, 



Whom multiplied petals deform, 

 While she her soft banner displayed, 



Soon will shelter her fruit from the storm." 



The ladies felt something like shame, 

 And indignant were ready to cry, 



They e'en vowed no more beauties to blame- 

 That is when Sweet-William is by. 



