Myrtle-leaf that, ill besped,
       &nbspPinest in the gladsome ray,
Soil'd beneath the common tread
       &nbspFar from thy protecting spray!

When the Partridge o'er the sheaf
       &nbspWhirr'd along the yellow vale,
Sad I saw thee, heedless leaf!
       &nbspLove the dalliance of the gale.

Lightly didst thou, foolish thing!
       &nbspHeave and flutter to his sighs,
While the flatterer, on his wing,
       &nbspWoo'd and whisper'd thee to rise.

Gaily from thy mother-stalk
       &nbspWert thou danc'd and wafted high—
Soon on this unshelter'd walk
       &nbspFlung to fade, to rot and die.