LINES ON A LADY'S PORTRAIT PAINTED ON AN ASH-TRAY

(ADDRESSED TO ITS OWNER)

I

SAY canst thou on this brow so rare

So beauteous, pure, and smooth, and fair;

Or on this cheek of damask rose

The ashes from thy weed dispose?

II

Though fragrant it may seem to thee;

Delightful to the senses be,

Yet couldst thou to so base a use

Put this sweet face, if thou mightst choose?

III

While balancing thy cigarette

Like any little vain coquette;

Methinks I see thee gazing now

Upon that white, and spotless brow,

IV

And wishing that its owner were Ensconced not too far from thy chair; And in her sunny eyes of brown

Watch the reflection of thine own.

But what's the use of speculation,
Or making this vain calculation,
Upon a piece of painted china
Which represents the face of Nina?

VI

Now cover o'er those features bright,
With veil of ashes thin and white,
And put that sweet face out of sight,
While wishing it a fond 'Good-night!'

PRINTED BY

SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE

LONDON