To an Unfortunate Woman whom the Author had known in the days of her Innocence

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.