Classic Poem

THE AUTHOR BEING ACCUSED OF RUDENESS FOR NEGLECTING A BOW .

Pardon, oh gentle youth, th' unconscious faulf,
If heedless M YRA did not as she ought.
In native sense polite, thou cou'dst allow
A passing Nymph the tribute of a bow;
But know the practis'd Beau we're doom'd to mee
In Park tumultuous, or St. James's Street,
With haughty looks the wond'ring nymph survey!
Nor ere discerns her, tho' he seems to gaze!
With flutt'ring airs, unmov'd, he still proceeds,
And boasts at tavern gay his valiant deeds! —
The prudent nymph, who views him with dismay,
Will now with cautious steps pursue her way;
Her wary eye no dazzling beaux will mark,
Nor yet in country, nor in crowded park;
But tim'rous o'er her path its light is cast,
And calmly guides her to her home at last.
For this, oh angry youth, in evil hour,
A hapless nymph has rais'd thy vengeful pow'r;
Yet sure thy justice will accept her plea —
" Her eyes were guilty, but her heart is free. "