An Ode on Miss Harriet Hanbury, Six Years Old

Why should I thus employ my time.
To paint those cheeks of rosy hue?
Why should I search my brains for rhyme.
To sing those eyes of glossy blue?

The power as yet is all in vain,
Thy numerous charms, and various graces:
They only serve to banish pain,
And light up joy in parents' faces.

But soon those eyes their strength shall feel;
Those charms their powerful sway shall find:
Youth shall in crowds before you kneel,
And own your empire o'er mankind.

Then, when on Beauty's throne you sit,
And thousands court your wish'd-for arms;
My Muse shall stretch her utmost wit,
To sing the victories of your charms.

Charms that in time shall ne'er be lost,
At least while verse like mine endures:
And future Hanburys shall boast,
Of verse like mine, of charms like yours.

A little vain we both may be,
Since scarce another house can show,
A poet, that can sing like me;
A beauty, that can charm like you.