THE GATHERER

A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.
SHAKSPEARE.

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LINES


_Written impromptu, by Sir Lumley Skeffington, Bart. in the Theatre Royal,
Drury Lane, at the Benefit of Miss Foote, on Wednesday, May 10, 1826, the
last night of her engagement._


Maria departs!--'tis a sentence of dread,
For the Graces turn pale, and the Fates droop their head!
In mercy to breasts that tumultuously burn,
Dwell no more on departure--but speak of return.
Since she goes, when the buds are just ready to burst,
In expanding its leaves, let the Willow be first.
We here shall no longer find beauties in May;
It cannot be Spring, when Maria's away:
If vernal at all, 'tis an April appears,
For the Blossom flies off, in the midst of our tears.


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