In early youth, blithe Spring's exulting day, Each hour put forth new raptures to my view; Each sunny morn on downy pinions flew, And swift the jocund minutes danc'd away! Ere Summer's breath matur'd my ripening mind, I found the blissful scene begin to fade; Cold sorrow hover'd round with wings unkind, And o'er my bosom spread a dreary shade; An early Winter chills my glowing breast, Frost-nipp'd too soon my fondest hopes decay; My cheek no more with rosy graces bless'd, Smiles with the freshness of returning May; So freezing gales in sunny splendours drest, Fade the young blossoms of the infant spray.