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. 
u 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. 
