The New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

THE PLAGUY TONGUE:

I.
Larinda's form was more than grace,
The dread of ev'ry swain ;
A thousand loves compos'd her face,
And revell'd in her hair :
Her sparkling wit was own'd by all,
And if the charmer sung.
Why--"Headlong streams forgot to run"
But O her plaguy tongue !

II.
A while she goddes'd and he prais'd,
A world obey'd her will!
But tho' the comet widely blaz'd,
We found it transient still :
The wond'ring crowds, her beauty's boast !
That round her fondly hung
Despis'd the vixen in the toast.
And curs'd her plaguy tongue.

III.
Too feebly hot, her fleeting fire
Scarce warm'd a morning dream---
For Myriads may with ease admire,
Though not a soul esteem !
Whene'er she talk'd to fix for life
A downward head we hung :
And all were fearful of a wife
With such a plaguy tongue.

IV.
Yet still her giddy course she drove,
And on her charms rely'd :
For admiration. scorning love.
And happiness for pride-
But see, alas ! the roses fade
And now no longer young,
She pines an old neglected maid;
And mourns her plaguy tongue.

V.
At such a fate, ye fair ones start
And trust my honest lays,
That one sincere, one worthy heart,
Out weighs a world of praise.
Then when from Cupid's bows you claim
With sweetness see them strung.
For love ne'er guides a virgin's aim
Who bears a plaguy tongue.