Classic Poem

Live, beauteous Myrtle! ever priz'd by me;
The fairest flow'r shall never equal thee;
Thy verdant leaves from joyous L Y drew
A richer fragrance, and a softer hue:
May balmy gales thy drooping sweets expand,
And bless the gift of gentle C LARA 's hand.
By thee inspir'd, Remembrance shall impart
Her graceful smile and tenderness of heart:
On thee shall shine fair Fancy's golden ray,
And Truth shall guard thee on a wintry day.
Live, matchless Myrtle! lest on Bagshot's plain,
From scorching sun I kept thy sweets in vain;
From many an adverse shock and heedless arm,
I seiz'd thy tender stalk, and sav'd from harm;
With anxious care thy fading charms convey'd,
And safely plac'd them in this distant shade.
Then live, sweet Myrtle! Mem'ry shall restore
Those cheerful scenes, which thou must see no more:
Perchance unheeded, in so fair a spot,
Thy leaves had bloom'd, unheeded and forgot.
Thy mistress courts thee in this humble scene,
And feels that Friendship is an EVERGREEN .