In a frock richly trimm'd
With a beautiful lace,
And hair nicely dress'd
Hanging over her face,
Thus deck'd, Harriet went
To the house of a friend,
With a large little party
The ev'ning to spend.
"Ah! how they will all
Be delighted, I guess,
And stare with surprise
At my elegant dress!"
Thus said the vain girl,
And her little heart beat,
Impatient the happy
Young party to meet.
But, alas! they were all
To intent on their fun,
To observe the gay clothes
This fine lady had on;
And thus all her trouble
Quite lost its design,
For they saw she was proud,
But forgot she was fine.
'Twas Lucy, tho' only
In simple white clad,
(Nor trimmings, nor laces,
Nor jewels she had,)
Whose cheerful good nature
Delighted them more,
Than all the fine garments
That Harriet wore.
'Tis better to have
A sweet smile on one's face,
Than to wear a rich frock
With an elegant lace,
For the good-natur'd girl
Is lov'd best in the main,
If her dress is but decent,
Tho' ever so plain.