MINERVA'S THIMBLE. But Reason the head-dress so awkwardly wore, That Beauty now liked him still less than before: While Folly took Old Reason's book, And twisted the leaves in a cap of such ton, That Beauty vow'd (Tho' not aloud) She liked him still better in that than his own, Yes,-liked him still better in that than his own. MINERVA'S THIMBLE. OUNG Jessica sat all the day, YOUNG With heart o'er idle love-thoughts pining; Her needle bright beside her lay, So active once!-now idly shining. Ah, Jessy, 'tis in idle hearts That love and mischief are most nimble; The safest shield against the darts Of Cupid, is Minerva's thimble. MINERVA'S THIMBLE. The child, who with a magnet plays, Well knowing all its arts, so wily, The tempter near a needle lays, And laughing, says, "we'll steal it slily." The needle, having nought to do, Is pleased to let the magnet wheedle, Till closer, closer come the two, And off, at length, elopes the needle. Now, had this needle turn'd its eye To some gay reticule's construction, It ne'er had stray'd from duty's tie, Nor felt the magnet's sly seduction. Thus, girls, would you keep quiet hearts, Your snowy fingers must be nimble; The safest shield against the darts Of Cupid, is Minerva's thimble. 52 |