⁠Around the proud saloon reflect
Each face the mirrors there;
⁠With diamonds, pearls, and gold bedeck'd,
Light dance the gentle fair;
And with their witching grace and air,
⁠O'er thousand lovers holding sway,
⁠Their vows and plaudits bear away.

⁠Lovely is that! I one day too,
When childhood scarce above,
⁠Through balls and banquets would pursue
The object of my love.
And from the young beloved I strove,
⁠As magic treasure, to obtain
⁠A passing look, or smile to gain.

⁠But now by cares subdued, and bound
By languor and disease,
⁠Than gilded halls, these plains around
Me more the night hours please:
To the gay dance preferring these,
⁠The calm asylum they supply,
⁠To meditate beneath this sky.

⁠O! ever shine on me the stars,
In a clear heaven as now!
⁠And as my Maker that avers,