Classic Poem

I now forsake the Elegiac strain,
Inspir'd by sorrow, and perus'd with pain;
The storm subsides, the clouds are clear dispers'd,
The prospect brightens, and my fate's revers'd,
These tidings, dear Eliza, will impart
Pleasing sensations to thy tender heart;
Affection prompts me freely to disclose
My flatt'ring hopes, and to conceal my woes;
Infectious sorrows their contagion spread,
And cause fair Virtue to recline her head,
Prosperity elates the human mind,
Yet in her train, unhappiness we find.
We view her pageantry with partial eyes,
But to deliberate is truly wife,
Before we pass our judgment, or declare,
What state in life, for happiness bids fair.
The glitt'ring surfaces attract the sight,
Caught by the bait, we fancy true delight;
Yet shun conviction, and in heart despise
By gentle admonitions to grow wise.
Child of affliction, I was early taught,
The painful lesson of more serious thought;
Adversity subdu'd my youthful mind,
Enlarg'd its views, and its vain hopes confin'd:
Whate'er my faults of high or low degree,
Repentance breaks the chain, and sets me free.
Thou gift divine! all human stains efface,
And grant to me thy purifying grace;
The best require thee in this sinful state,
To calm their suff'rings, and avert their fate.
Much lov'd Eliza! in my early youth,
Thy prudence led me to the path of truth.
The part I wish to act in this great scene,
Is ever to preserve the golden mean;
Neither so high as to forget my slate,
Nor yet so low to murmur at my fate;
Humble, not servile; steady, not severe;
Prudent, yet gen'rous; and in heart sincere;
Neither inclin'd to give or take offence;
A soe to pride, though specious its pretence.
Such is thy practice: thy superior mind
Keeps the due medium by good, sense resin'd,
Prudence and Judgment are by thee possess'd,
Unerring monitors within thy breast;
Precept alone will ne'er perfection gain,
And needs example, Wisdom to attain;
In thee united, rul'd by Virtue's laws,
She crowns thy Merit with deserv'd applause.