In early youth, blithe Spring's exulting day,
— Each hour put forth new raptures to my view;
Each sunny morn on downy pinions flew,
— And swift the jocund minutes danc'd away!

Ere Summer's breath matur'd my ripening mind,
— I found the blissful scene begin to fade;
Cold sorrow hover'd round with wings unkind,
— And o'er my bosom spread a dreary shade;

An early Winter chills my glowing breast,
— Frost-nipp'd too soon my fondest hopes decay;
My cheek no more with rosy graces bless'd,
— Smiles with the freshness of returning May;
So freezing gales in sunny splendours drest,
— Fade the young blossoms of the infant spray.

In early youth, blithe Spring's exulting day,
— Each hour put forth new raptures to my view;
Each sunny morn on downy pinions flew,
— And swift the jocund minutes danc'd away!

Ere Summer's breath matur'd my ripening mind,
— I found the blissful scene begin to fade;
Cold sorrow hover'd round with wings unkind,
— And o'er my bosom spread a dreary shade;

An early Winter chills my glowing breast,
— Frost-nipp'd too soon my fondest hopes decay;
My cheek no more with rosy graces bless'd,
— Smiles with the freshness of returning May;
So freezing gales in sunny splendours drest,
— Fade the young blossoms of the infant spray.