Classic Poem

In Youth, when modesty and merit meet,
How rare the union , and the force , how sweet!
Tho' at small praise, our humble author aims,
His friend may give him, what his blush disclaims,

L ADIES ! — to you , he makes his chief address,
Form'd, to be pray'd to , and e'en born, to bless !
He feels your pow'r, himself , and makes it felt ,
His scenes' will teach, each stubborn heart, to melt :
And each fair eye , that, now, shines softly , here,
Anon, shall shine, still softer , thro'-a tear ;
Let not constraint your generous sighs repress ,
Nor veil compassion — nor repel distress:
Your sex's strength is — in such weakness found,
And sighs , and tears , but help your charms — to wound .

O F all the wonders , taught us, by the fair ,
'Tis strangest — Tragedy should lose their care!
Where love , soft tyrant! in full glory, reigns ,
And sovereign beauty holds the world in chains,

L ESS polish'd, and more bold, the comic muse
Unkings your Cupid , or obflructs his views:
Upholds presuming wit's familiar claim,
And blots out awe , from love's diminish'd flame;
Find, or makes , faults; and sets 'em strong in sight,
And dares draw woman — false, or vain, or light .
While Tragedy — your servant, try'd, and true,
Still to your fame , devoted, and to you ,
Enslav'd to love, subdu'd ambition brings;
Firms beauty's power, and crowns it King of Kings.

L ET wish'd attention grace our scene to night,
And mourn'd afflictions move refin'd delight:
Each tender light of life we recommend:
Wife, husband, subject, parent, son, and friend ,
All your impassion'd interests shall engage,
And hopes, and fears, and pity, fire the stage.
Then, when soft sorrow swells the fair one's breast,
And sad impressions mix, with nightly rest;
Pleasing remembrance shall our scene supply,
And the sweet sadd'ning influence never die.