Circling thy taper finger, how divine

Its lot; oft to thy fair cheek prest,

And by such contact past expression blest,

Or sparkling ’mid those sunny locks of thine!

Oh! these are uses which might consecrate

The basest metal, or the dull, vile earth;

Enhance the diamond’s price, or elevate

The clod to an inestimable worth.

Would that so dear a gem, which thus hath shone

Upon thy snowy hand, might ever bless my own!