 | The poetical works of Samuel Woodworth |  |
IN AN ALBUM.
Just emblems of your minds, these leaves I view,
As yet unwritten, and unsullied too;
Now guard them well—nor let the hand of art
Ere cast a blot upon the book or heart.
As yet unwritten, and unsullied too;
Now guard them well—nor let the hand of art
Ere cast a blot upon the book or heart.
Each is now open—watch them both with care,
Lest truant thoughts and wishes enter there;
Invite the good, the talented and wise,
Zealous in virtue's cause, their numbers prize;
Avoid the bad, the doubtful, and the rash—
Better remain a blank than teem with trash.
Endeavor still from Truth's exhaustless store,
To cull the choicest of her precious ore—
Hearts thus endued, are rich for ever more.
Maidens, this book must a memorial be
A dear lamented parents' legacy;
Remember when you taste its fragrant flowers
Gathered by fancy from the loveliest bowers,
Affection, duty, sorrow, all combined,
Require the tribute of a grateful mind;
Embrace, dear girls, the yielding moment, then,
To con parental counsel o'er again.
Lest truant thoughts and wishes enter there;
Invite the good, the talented and wise,
Zealous in virtue's cause, their numbers prize;
Avoid the bad, the doubtful, and the rash—
Better remain a blank than teem with trash.
Endeavor still from Truth's exhaustless store,
To cull the choicest of her precious ore—
Hearts thus endued, are rich for ever more.
270
A dear lamented parents' legacy;
Remember when you taste its fragrant flowers
Gathered by fancy from the loveliest bowers,
Affection, duty, sorrow, all combined,
Require the tribute of a grateful mind;
Embrace, dear girls, the yielding moment, then,
To con parental counsel o'er again.
| The poetical works of Samuel Woodworth | |