Women are only told that they resemble angels when they are young and beautiful; consequently, it is their persons, not their virtues, that procure them homage.
Phoebe CaryO men, grown sick with toil and care, Leave for awhile the crowded mart; O women, sinking with despair, Weary of limb and faint of heart, Forget your years to-day and come As children back to childhood's house.
Phoebe CaryLaugh out, O stream, from your bed of green, / Where you lie in the sun's embrace; / And talk to the reeds that o'er you lean / To touch your dimpled face.
Phoebe CaryGive plenty of what is given to you, And listen to pity's call. Don't think the little you give is great, And the much you get is small.
Phoebe CaryI know not which I love the most, Nor which the comeliest shows, The timid, bashful violet Or the royal-hearted rose: The pansy in purple dress, The pink with cheek of red, Or the faint, fair heliotrope, who hangs, Like a bashful maid her head.
Phoebe CaryOne sweetly solemn thought, comes to me o'er and o'er; I am nearer home today, than I ever have been before.
Phoebe CaryOnly yield when you must, never "give up the ship," but fight on to the last "with a stiff upper lip!
Phoebe CaryO that one unguarded moment! / Were it mine to live again, / All the strength of its temptation / Would appeal to me in vain.
Phoebe CaryI think true love is never blind, / But rather brings an added light; / An inner vision quick to find / The beauties hid from common sight.
Phoebe CaryBooks were put out, and 'had a run,' / Like coinage from the mint; / But which could fill the place of one, / That one they wouldn't print?
Phoebe CaryBut whenever she thanks the givers for favors great and small, she thinks of the good little sister who gave her more than they all.
Phoebe CaryCome up, April, though the valley, / In your robes of beauty drest, / Come and wake your flowery children / From their wintry beds of rest.
Phoebe CaryAnd never since harvests were ripened, / Or laborers born, / Have men gathered figs of the thistle, / Or grapes of the thorn!
Phoebe CaryBut alas for the dreams that round us play! / For the plans of mortal making! / And alas for the false and fickle day / That looked so fair at waking!
Phoebe Cary