Lines Written in an Album

   [A farmer’s daughter, during the rage for albums, handed to the author an old account-book ruled for pounds, shillings, and pence, and requested a contribution.] THIS WORLD ’s a scene as dark as Styx,  £  s.  d. Where hope is scarce worth    2  6 Our joys are borne so fleeting hence       That they are dear at      18   And yet to stay here most are willing,       Although they may not have    1