STELLA'S BIRTHDAY -  MARCH 13, 1719

Jonathan Swift 1667-1745

Stella this day is thirty-four,

(We shan't dispute a year or more:)

However, Stella, be not troubled,

Although thy size and years are doubled,

Since first I saw thee at sixteen,

The brightest virgin on the green;

So little is thy form declined;

Made up so largely in thy mind.

Oh, would it please the gods to split

Thy beauty, size, and years, and wit;

No age could furnish out a pair

Of nymphs so graceful, wise, and fair;

With half the lustre of your eyes,

With half your wit, your years, and size.

And then, before it grew too late,

How should I beg of gentle Fate,

(That either nymph might have her swain,)

To split my worship too in twain.

-o=0=o-