'Steht's einem Geizhals an auf Aelius zu schmähn
Weil er vergebens hofft auf was nicht kann geschehn?'
47
TO A VAIN YOUNG LADY
Didst thou think less of thy dear self
Far more would others think of thee!
Sweet Anne! the knowledge of thy wealth
Reduces thee to poverty.
Boon Nature gave wit, beauty, health,
On thee as on her darling pitching;
Couldst thou forget thou'rt thus enrich'd
That moment would'st thou become rich in!
And wert thou not so self-bewitch'd,
Sweet Anne! thou wert, indeed, bewitching.
First published in Morning Post, Sept. 23 1802. Included in The Friend, No. 12, Nov. 9, 1809.
