Classic Poem

Accept thy portrait from a grateful Muse!
The striking likeness, graciously peruse;
In every trait, the true resemblance find,
Of those bright virtues which adorn thy mind:
Inspir'd with grace, the vivid colours glow
With strong expression, from the source they flow.
Nature to thee, beneficent and kind,
Gave thee a heart, to rectitude inclin'd;
With due refinement, and exalted worth,
Implanted graces suited to thy birth;
Nobly descended, yet averse to pride;
Reason thy monitor, and constant guide;
Form'd to instruct, in ev'ry art well taught,
Thy life a lesson, with improvement fraught.
In times like these, alas! but few we find,
Endued with talents to expand the mind:
Tis not enough to sow Celestial seeds,
The task as needful to destroy fell weeds;
'Tis not enough to cultivate fair flow'rs,
And deck the mind like Flora's fading bow'rs,
Virtue requires the more substantial fruit,
Which as essential should take deepest root.
The moderns think not thus; their whole desire,
To gain the ornaments that Fools admire:
External shew, the badge which Folly wears,
Is hence transmitted to her num'rous heirs.
Lux'ry and Vice, in friendly bands allied,
With their concomitants, Revenge and Pride,
Would find their efforts vain to wound our peace,
If lukewarm teachers did their zeal encrease;
Direct the minds entrusted to their charge,
To views exalted, which the Soul enlarge.
Will not the human heart impressions gain,
And long, like wax. those images retain?
Which proves th'importance to extend the plan
Beyond the limits of an earthly span.
If gentle manners, blended with fair truth,
Are requisite to form the minds of youth;
If sense superior, join'd with modest grace,
Should shine distinguish'd in the royal race;
'Tis thine to execute the great design,
And pour instruction on th'illustrious line.
Oh may the Plants, rear'd by thy soft'ring care,
Yield strongest evidence, thy worth declare;
In them reflected, may thy Virtue's shine,
THEIRS the advantage, but the honour THINE!