NARCISSUS. 
6 
Deaf to light Zephyrus it would not move, 
But still would seem to droop, to pine, to love. 
So while the poet stood in this sweet spot, 
Some fainter gleamings o’er his fancy shot; 
Nor was it long ere he had told the tale 
Of young Narcissus, and sad Echo’s wail. 
THE NARCISSUS. 
GAY. 
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 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. 
THE NARCISSUS. 
MISS LANDON. 
The pale and delicate Narcissus’ flowers 
Bending so languidly, as still they found 
In the pure wave a love and destiny. 
