CONVOLVULI AND MIGNIONETTE.

(BEAUTY AND SWEETNESS.)

How well two maidens may be imaged here!
One in Convolvula's all-beauteous face,

That with the richest colour deeply glows,
Conscious and proud of her great loveliness:—
And then in Mignionette's meek humble form,
Without one tint upon her modest garb

To draw the idle stare of wandering eyes,
Which greedily the other's beauty drink.

How well the young and fair are here shown forth!
For some-
-aye, many, prize a rosy cheek,
A sparkling eye-or lip where rubies strive
With coral the bright mastery to gain,

Above all other wealth. E'en like this flower,
The gay Convolvulus, which spreads her form

Of fragile short-lived loveliness before

The flattering beams of the deceitful sun,

And basks her in his light, and thinks, poor bud

Of foolish vanity that such will last:

But soon the noontide glare falls scorchingly

Upon her waning charms-she hangs her head

Her boasted beauty shrivels and decays,
And outward show, her only gift, is gone.

Now look ye on the plain and modest guise
Of yon unlovely flower- unlovely?-no-
Not beautiful, 'tis true not touched with hues
Like hers we late have gazed on; but so rich
In precious fragrance is that lowly one,

So loved for her sweet qualities, that I
Should woo her first amid a world of flowers;
For she is like some few beloved ones here,
Whom eyes, perchance, might slightingly pass o'er,
But whose true wisdom, gentleness, and worth,
Unchanging friendship, ever-faithful love,

And countless minor beauties of the mind,

Attach our hearts in deep affection still.