LINES TO MISS CHINNERY, OF GILLWELL-HOUSE,

Tell me what taught thee to display

A choice so sweet, and yet so rare,

To prize the modest buds of May

Beyond the diamond's prouder glare?

Say, was the grateful pref'rence paid

To Nature, since, with skill divine,

So many fairy charms she made,

To grace her fav'rite Caroline?

Or was it Taste that bade thee try

How soon the richest gem must yield,

In beauty and attractive die,

To this wild blossom of the field?

Whate'er the cause, in Nature's glow

Well does the choice thyself pourtray;

Thine innocence the blossoms show,

Thy youth the green leaves well display.