CAPRICIOUS foe to human joy, br Still varying with the fleeting day; br With thee the purest raptures cloy, br The fairest prospects fade away; br Nor worth, nor pow'r thy wings can bind, br All earthly pleasures fly with THEE; br Inconstant as the wav'ring wind br That plays upon the summer sea. br br I court thee not, ungentle guest, br For I have e'er been doom'd to find br Life's gayest hours but idly drest, br With sweets that pall the sick'ning mind: br When smiling HOPE with placid mien, br Around my couch did fondly play; br Too oft thy aëry form I've seen, br On DOWNY pinions glide away. br br But when, perplex'd with pain or care, br My couch with THORNS was scatter'd round; br When the pale priestess of DESPAIR br My mind in fatal spells had bound; br When the dull hours no joy could bring, br No bliss my weary fancy prove; br I mark'd thy leaden, pond'rous wing, br With TARDY pace, unkindly move. br br IF SUCH THY GIFTS, O Time! for thee br My sated heart shall ne'er repine; br I bow content to FATE'S decree, br And with thy thorns thy roses twine; br Yet e'er thy fickle reign shall end, br The balmy sweets of FRIENDSHIP'S hour, br I'll with my cup of sorrow blend, br And smile, REGARDLESS OF THY POW'R.