Alexander Pope

For her, the lilies hang their heads and die.

For her, the lilies hang their heads and die.

Choose a firm cloud before it fall, and in it
Catch, ere she change, the Cynthia of this minute.

Choose a firm cloud before it fall, and in it
Catch, ere she change, the Cynthia of this minute.

Yet still a sad, good Christian at the heart.

Yet still a sad, good Christian at the heart.

'Tis use alone that sanctifies expense
And splendor borrow all her rays from sense.

'Tis use alone that sanctifies expense
And splendor borrow all her rays from sense.

Our rural ancestors with little blest,
Patient of labour when the end was rest,
Indulg'd the day read more

Our rural ancestors with little blest,
Patient of labour when the end was rest,
Indulg'd the day that hous'd their annual grain,
With feasts, and off'rings, and a thankful strain.