The Contrast.
In fortune, fickle, proud, and strange,1
’Twixt frowns and tears, young Laura went ;2
In grief, in poverty, and change,3
All patience, sweetness, and content !4
How deep are Nature’s gifts diffused,5
How wisely her intents revealed ;6
’Tis not until the leaf is bruised7
We learn the fragrance it concealed !8