The Linnet (1819, Falkirk)/Young Annie
For other versions of this work, see She's as the opening lilly fair.
YOUNG ANNIE.
When beauty blazes heav'nly bright,the Muse can no more cease to sing,Than can the lark with rising light,her notes neglect with drooping wing.The morning shines, harmonious birds rise high,The dawning beauty smiles, and poets fly.
Young Annie's budding graces claimth' inspired thought, and softest lays, And kindle in the breast a flame which must be vented in her praise.Tell us. ye shepherds, have ye seen E'er one so like an angel tread the green?
Ye youths, be watchful of your hearts,when she appears, take the alarm!Love on her beauty points the darts,and wings an arrow from each charm.Around her eyes (illegible text)d smiles the graces sport,And to her snowy neck and breast resort.
But vain must every caution prove,when such enchanting sweetness shines,The wounded swain must yield to love,and wonder, tho' he hopeless pines.Such flame the sor(illegible text) butterfly should shun;The eagle's only fit to view the sun.
She's as the opening lilly fair,her lovely features are complete;Whilst Heaven, indulgent makes her share,with angels, all that's wise and sweet.These virtues which divinely deck her mind,Exalt each other of th' inferior kind.
Whether she love the rural scenes,or sparkle in the airy town,O! happy he thy favour gains,unhappy, if she on him frown.The Muse unwilling quits the lovely theme,Adieu she sings, and thrice repeats her name.