University of Virginia Library



TO Dr THOMAS BLACKLOCK.

To thee, to whom the equal hand of Heaven,
Though it depriv'd thee of external sight,
The better graces of the mind has given,
Genius, and Learning's thews, and Judgement's light,
And Fortitude, mid undeserved ills,
And wide-embracing Liberality,
Each thought humane which the sweet bosom fills,
And decks the form of saintly Charity,
These rhymes, all roughly woven, do I bear,
Which thee alone t'amuse first framed were.
Flattery pursues the great; when thee I praise,
Who nought but thy good spirit hast t'impart,
While Truth approves, deny not of my lays,
The guerdon, thy esteem, and friendly heart.