Iguana

Look not with Hate, or ruder Mirth,

In this your Valentine’s harsh Feature:_

In sooth she is the gentlest Creature-

That ever walked the peopled Earth!

Playful and meek, as Infant joy,

Each Bliss of pure affection giving,

Her Heart on airy Nature living,

Upon a Glance, a smile, a sigh.

And tenderness is sure her Due,

Who all her joys and all her sorrows,

Nay ev’ry Hue of Feeling borrows,

Each light and shade of mind, from you. –