Finch, Mrs. B.: Written in a Shrubbery Towards the Decline of Autumn

[ZaunköniG]

See, o'er its withering leaves, the musk-rose bend,
And scarce a purple aster paints the glade;
Yet, cease awhile, ye ruffling winds! to rend
This variegated canopy of shade.

Here, autumn's touch the rich dark grown bestows,
There, mixed with paler leaves of yellow hue,
The shining holly's scarlet fruitage glows,
And crimson berries stud the deep-green yew.

Thou radiant orb! whose mild declining ray
Now gilds with gayer tinge this loved retreat,
Yet, lingering, still prolong the golden day. -

How vain the wish! no more thy glories meet
My dazzled eye; but from the lakes arise
Blue mists, and twilight gray involves the blushing skies.