University of Virginia Library


185

ON THE FIRST LEAF OF THE BOOK OF THE AUTHOR'S POEMS WRITTEN AND PRESENTED TO L.O.

A youth, who by the sacred fount
On fam'd Parnassus' ancient Mount
Pass'd his unprofitable hours
In gathering weeds instead of flowers,
Lays, at the feet of wit and beauty,
This humble offering of his duty.
Oh! then with smiles his nothings cherish!
Without them they are sure to perish:
Thy smile can make e'en darkness glow,
Can e'en on Quisi charms bestow,
And may, perhaps, to strains like these
Impart some little power to please.