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மயிலை சீனி. வேங்கடசாமி ஆய்வுக்களஞ்சியம் - 20
But nothing could a charm impart
To sooth the stranger's woe; For grief was heavy at his heart, And tears began to flow.
His rising cares the hermit spy'd, With answering care opprest: "And whence, unhappy youth," he cry'd, "The sorrows of thy breast?
"From better habitations spurn'd, Reluctant dost thou rove;
Or grieve for friendship unreturn'd, Or unregarded love?
"Alas! the joys that fortune brings Are triflingi and decay;
And those who prize the paltry things, More trifling still than they.
"And what is friendship but a name, A charm that lulls to sleep;
A shade that follows wealth or fame, But leaves the wretch to weep?
"And love is still an emptier sound, The modern fair one's jest,
On earth unseen, or only found To warm the turtle's nest.
"For shame, fond youth, thy sorrows hush, And spurn the sex," he said:
But, while he spoke, a rising blush His love-lorn guest betray'd.
Surpriz'd he sees new beauties rise Swift mantling to the view,
Like colours o'er the morning skies, As bright, as transient too.
