Bessy Bell & Mary Gray/The spotless maid

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THE SPOTLESS MAID

The spotless maid is like the blooming rose,
Which on its native stem unsully'd grows;
But if some hand the tender stalk invades,
Lost its colour and its beauty fades.

Whoever leaves a virtuous maid behind,
Tho' distant—still he views her in his mind;
Reflection tells, that absence must improve
The dear delight of meeting those we love.

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