Classic Poem

I.

While, in the Mall , my Celia shone,
And drew th' adoring world, to gaze,
A wanton gnat came, buzzing, on,
To gambol, in her blaze.

II.

Enliven'd, by her lucid beams,
And urging bliss, too nigh,
Th' attractive beauty's pow'rful streams
O'erwhelm'd him, in her eye.

III.

The glowing orb, swift, catching fire,
Now heat was mix'd, with light ;
The wing, that durst so high aspire,
She rubb'd to dust , in spite.

IV.

Mean while, the clouded sight shone dim ;
Her sun , through mists , appears;
Moist anguish rose, above the brim ,
And flow'd away, in tears .

V.

O, gnat! too happy, thus, to die!
My Celia weeps thy fate;
She kills me, ev'ry day — yet, I
No pity can create.

VI.

Mysterious sex! by custom, led,
Meer trifles , most to prize!
O, truth, to turn a lover's head!
They murder men , and weep, for flies .