Part 6 — LYRICS OF THE STREET.
Reading edition
IV.
THE FINE LADY.
Her heart is set on folly, An amber gathering straws; She courts each poor occurrence, Heeds not the heavenly laws. Pity her!
She has a little beauty, And she flaunts it in the day, While the selfish wrinkles, spreading, Steal all its charm away. Pity her!
She has a little money, And she flings it everywhere; 'T is a gewgaw on her bosom, 'T is a tinsel in her hair. Pity her!
She has a little feeling, She spreads a foolish net That snares her own weak footsteps, Not his for whom 't is set. Pity her!
Ye harmless household drudges, Y our draggled daily wear And horny palms of labor A softer heart may bear. Pity her!
Ye steadfast ones, whose burthens Weigh valorous shoulders down, With hands that cannot idle, And brows that will not frown, Pity her!
Ye saints, whose thoughts are folded As graciously to rest As a dove's stainless pinions Upon her guileless breast, Pity her!
But most, ye helpful angels That send distress and work, Hot task and sweating forehead, To heal man's idle irk, Pity her!