Permit once more an artless lay to send,
Forgive the author, and the strain attend.
More bright and lasting beauty would you find?
Then seek it in the graces of the mind:
Let blushing modesty its aid bestow,
And teach your cheeks with purer red to glow;
Let gentleness bid native smiles to rise,
Dimple your mouth, and sparkle in your eyes;
Let sympathy of the unhappy's woe
Your bosom teach to heave, your eyes to flow;
Most charming then the heaving breast appears,
And brightest beam the eyes through pity's tears,
Soon fades the face, but you by arts like these,
Alike in age, as youth, shall boast to please;
These shall confirm o'er willing hearts your sway,
And flourish when the face and form decay.
Such are the strains of one, who much admires
Your charms, but more your happiness desires,
Who, with a mind to selfish views unknown,
While loving, loves you for yourself alone.