University of Virginia Library


89

THE WIFE.

ADDRESSED TO MR. ---, ON HIS MARRIAGE.

1.

When fortune on her favored son,
Her golden gifts bestows;
When honor's highest goal is won;
When health with pleasure glows—
What gives its richest charm to wealth—
Rewards ambition's strife—
Gives pleasure zest, and hope to health?
The lov'd, endearing Wife.

2.

And when misfortune's storms assail;
When friends and flatt'rers fly—
When fame shall fade, and health shall fail,
And dreams of pleasure die—
Who still, 'mid fortune's frown, will smile?
Who share the lowly life?
Who sorrow soothe, and pain beguile?
The lov'd, endearing Wife.