DEATH AT THE TOILET.

79

" But saw'st thou," Death inquired, " altho' so fairAnd almost more than mortal to behold,

How Chloe, dressing, to her aid called thereWreaths, toys and gewgaws, more than can be told?"

" I did, and marvelled at the fruitless care,Thus whitening snow, or gilding purest gold,

And still, when all as I thought had been tried,

Her milliner, new finery supplied."

" And while you leisurely could this descry,''

Said Death, " who waited on her did you ask ?Know the attendant you beheld—was I!

'Twas I who wore the officious servant's mask !The fair was destined in life's bloom to die ;

To hand the fatal trappings was my task :Wholly superfluous I deemed open force,

And let the thoughtless beauty take her course.

" 'Tis thus that Death accomplishes his aim :Most human beings sigh for what destroys;

Mirth, Vanity, and Pleasure, play my game,And crush life's hopes beneath deluding joys.

More perish from caprice, and Fashion's whim,Than by the cannon, battle's rage employs—

But I must hence,—another glass is out,

And I am going to my lady's rout."