  The words chosen as the subject of the following verses, form the first line of an antiquated song, of which the remainder seems not to have been preserved.—See Mr Dauney's "Ancient Scotish Melodies," p. 227. "Let never Cruelty dishonour Beauty"— Be no such war between thy face and mind. Heaven with each blessing sends an answering duty: It made thee fair, and meant thee to be kind. Resemble not the panther's treacherous seeming, That looks so lovely to beguile its prey; Seek not to match the basilisk's false gleaming, That charms the fancy only to betray. See the great Sun! God's best and brightest creature— Alike on good and ill his gifts he showers: Look at the Earth, whose large and liberal nature To all who court her offers fruits or flowers. Then, lady, lay aside that haughty scorning— A robe unmeet to deck a mortal frame; Mild be thy light, and innocent as morning, And shine on high and humble still the same. Bid thy good-will, in bright abundance flowing, To all around its kindly stream impart; Thy love the while on One alone bestowing, The fittest found, the husband of thy heart! |
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