NARCISSUS. 63 
NARCISSUS AND DAFFODIL. 
SELF-LOVE. 
The ancients attributed the origin of this flower 
to the metamorphosis of a beautiful youth named 
Narcissus, who, having slighted the love of the 
nymph Echo, became enamoured of his own image, 
which he beheld in a fountain, and pined to death 
in consequence. 
Here 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 in his inexperienced 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 flower his beauty blows. 
Let vain Narcissus warn each female breast 
That beauty's but a transient good at best; 
Like flowers, it withers with th' advancing year, 
And age, like winter, robs the blooming fair. 
Gray. 
