LOVE AND FOLLY.

A FABLE.

LOVE and FOLLY were at play,
Both too wanton to be wise.
They fell out; and, in the fray,
FOLLY put out CUPID's eyes.
Straight, the criminal was tried,
And this punishment assigned.
FOLLY should to Love be tied,

And condemned to lead the blind.

Then, wisely let 's venture ourselves to deceive,
Since Fate has decreed us to love and believe!
For all we can gain, by our wisdom and eyes,
Is to find ourselves cheated; and wretched, when wise!

SECRET LOVE.

I LOVE! but She alone shall know;
Who is herself my treasure!
Vain Lovers, when their joys they show,
Call partners to their pleasure!
Let empty Beaus the favour miss,
While they would have it known!
That Soul's too narrow for the bliss;
Who can't enjoy alone!

Then, never let my love be told
By way of modern Toasting!
The sweetest joy, like fairy gold,
Is lost by selfish boasting!
Too rich to shew what I possess,
My treasure I'll conceal!

I

may my pains of Love confess; But ne'er my joys reveal!

LOVE DISARMED.

BENEATH a myrtle's verdant shade,
As CLOE, half asleep, was laid,
CUPID perched lightly on her breast,
And in that heaven desired to rest:
Over her paps, his wings he spread;
Between, he found a downy bed,
And nestled in his little head.

Still lay the God. The Nymph, surprised,

Yet mistress of herself, devised

How she the Vagrant might inthrall,
And captive him who captives all!

Her bodice half way she unlaced;
About his arms she slily cast
The silken bond, and held him fast.

The God awaked; and thrice, in vain,
He strove to break the cruel chain!
And thrice, in vain, he shook his wing,
Incumbered in the silken string!

Flutt'ring, the God, and weeping, said,
Pity poor CUPID, generous Maid!