Classic Poem

See the bills once more grac'd with an Abington's name:
Is she led into public by Interest or Fame?
Their dictates this offspring of Nature has scorn'd,
For her cot is by Taste and Contentment adorn'd;
They have breathed soft Tranquillity's charms o'er her mind,
And the mask of Thalia she long has resign'd.
Then what has induced her again to engage
In theatre toils, and appear on the stage?
Meek Charity came, and the nymph thus addrest:
— Oh! wouldst thou by widows and orphans be blest,
Behold with compassion this sorrowing train:
Oh Abington! can they solicit in vain?
Sad relics of those, who by Jervis the brave,
Were embalm'd with his sighs ere they sunk in the wave;
He saw them, undaunted, fight long by his side,
And his heart felt a pang for each hero that dy'd.
To their memory by thee let a tribute be paid;
Forego thine own ease, and this night deign to aid
The endeavours of those who benignly come forth,
And from Penury's grasp strive to extricate worth:
Exert thy known talents in pleading a cause,
So glorious that Heaven will give thee applause. —