Hester Lynch SALUSBURY

Well! William Clarges has made another Motto for the Sun-Dial because they all find fault with Dr Gray’s.

1.

Invida Nox Phœbi lucem rapit; Eja age, Virtus
    Accende Ætheriam pulchrior ipsa facem.

Sol’s Setting Ray invidious Night denies,
Kindling Celestial Flame, fair Virtue rise.

I do not like Phœbus upon a Sundial—when we planted a Weeping Willow over against ours last Nov^r these Verses came in my Head.

2.

Mark how the Weeping Willow stands
    Near the recording Stone;
It seems to blame our Idle Hands
    And Mourn the Moments flown.

Thus Conscience holds the fancy fast,
    With Fears too oft affected;
Pretending to lament the past,
    The present still neglected.

Yet shall this swift-improving Plant
    With spring her Leaves resume;
Nor let the Example She can grant;
    Depend on Winter’s Gloom:

Loiter no more then near the Tree,
    Nor on the Dial gaze;
If but an Houris given to thee
    Act right while yet it stays.