The blighted flower

I had a flow'r within my garden growing

I nourished it with fond and anxious care,

Rich in each charm of nature's own bestowing,

Of tints unrivalled and of fragrance rare

At length it came on evil passions dwelling,

Who oft had blasted many a flow'r before;

He saw my gem, in innocence excelling,

He smil'd upon it, and it bloom'd no more!

Next day I found it withered and degraded,

Cast by the spoiler carelessly away,

Its freshness gone, its varied beauties faded,

Despis'd forsaken, hast'ning to decay,

Vainly I strove the fading sparks to cherish

Nought now remains of what was once so dear,

Only with life shall fond remembrance perish,

Or cease to flow the unavailing tear!