James Montgomery

Joys too exquisite to last,
And yet more exquisite when past.

Joys too exquisite to last,
And yet more exquisite when past.

Fairest and best adorned is she
Whose clothing is humility.

Fairest and best adorned is she
Whose clothing is humility.

The violets were past their prime,
Yet their departing breath
Was sweeter, in the blast of death,
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The violets were past their prime,
Yet their departing breath
Was sweeter, in the blast of death,
Than all the lavish fragrance of the time.

Nearest the throne itself must be
The footstool of humility.

Nearest the throne itself must be
The footstool of humility.

A work of skill, surpassing sense,
A labor of Omnipotence;
Though frail as dust it meet thine read more

A work of skill, surpassing sense,
A labor of Omnipotence;
Though frail as dust it meet thine eye,
He form'd this gnat who built the sky.