Page:The Romance of Nature; or, The Flower-Seasons Illustrated.djvu/326

204 May read a wholesome lesson.—Are not they

As soon forgot when wealth doth pass away?

Do not their flattering parasites desert

The drooping stem?—

How long in sorrow will the courtly crowd

Hover round them?

Are they not all forgotten in the hour

Of dark dishonour—like my garish flower?

Oh! bid them learn that beauty, riches, state,

And noble birth

Are but choice accidents that do befall

A few on earth—

And bid them less haught and conceited be,

Who have drawn prizes in this lottery.