LINES WRITTEN IN A LADY's ALBUM
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 BY JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. To fill thy page, beloved maid,

 Before me Fancy's visions fit, Three damsels offer me their aid,

 AffectiOn-Vanity-and Wit. Peplexed, like Paris, lo-I stand;

 Which to prefer, and which refuse Now dread the task from mortal hand, Between three goddesses to choose! First Wit-a damsel pert and sly,

 On both her rivals casts leer, And beckoning with coquettish eye, Proffers her pen for gibe or geer. Seduced by her enchanting smile,

 I took her pen in spOrtive play. The gipsey laughs at me the while,

 And, tittering, snatches 1t away. Next, Vanity assails my ears

 With simpering whisper soft and slow "Take but my pen-the verse shall flow," She seems to say--so sweet, 30 clear, That all who read shall straight exclaim, How great bard IS lost to hope; And buried beneath vulgar fame,

 At least an Ovid or Pope" Deceivers !-Vanitv and Wit

 No more your painted faces show! Fame, Folly, Falsehood you may fit; The verse on this page must be true. If words, dear Ellen, could express, The wishes in this heart that glow, How they would burn your life to bless, AtecfiOn's pen alone can show!