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The Heir of Arthington,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Heir of Arthington,

inscrib'd to Mrs. Arthington.

Whilst num'rous Friends, who come with warm Address,
In common Prose uncommon Joy express;
Let sprightly Numbers make my Pleasure known,
And hail the blooming Heir of Arthington.
For fair Events, and Joy that is extreme,
Were ever Thought the Muses proper Theme.
What Scene more joyous? what Event more fair?
A new-born Son! a long-requested Heir!
Whose welcome Birth preserves a large Domain.
Him will I sing: (accept the fervent Strain)

76

A Son and Heir! let Eccho spread it round
While the Muse dwells on the delighting Sound.
Distinguish'd be the Day, that gave him Birth,
And dedicated to superior Mirth.
May future Blessings mark the rising Morn,
As it shall make its annual Return.
Shine, happy Stars; look down, propitious Heav'n,
And aid the lovely Boy that thou hast giv'n.
Let Dreams of Paradise his Sleep employ,
And tincture all his waking Hours with Joy.
Let the bright Guards, that keep off adverse Fate,
Attentive near the smiling Infant wait:
That no Obstruction stop his precious Breath,
Or strong Convulsion bring untimely Death.

77

No, let him live, (Great Ruler of Mankind)
Let Strength and Beauty in his Form be join'd,
And ev'ry manly Virtue grace his Mind.
To a long Date extend his growing Years,
Replete with good and undisturb'd with Cares:
May Riches, Honour, Health and Peace attend
His Hours of Life, and happy be his End:
To latest Times may his great Name be known,
And ev'ry Age enjoy an Arthington.