University of Virginia Library


161

[Could Youth those early Hours to Study bend]

Could Youth those early Hours to Study bend,
Which on the Tempting Sex they vainly spend;
How sparkling wou'd his Happy Genius shine?
How strong his Nerves? His Knowledge how Divine?
To Adams first Perfection he'd Attain,
And by degrees Lost Paradise Regain.
But that which Plagues and Bitters Humane Life
Is Woman, wheher Mistress or a Wife,
Mother of Sin, Disease of Sorrow and Strife.