University of Virginia Library


311

SONNET XXXI.

To the Reverend Mr. Lawry.
Lawry, whose blissful lot has plac'd thee near
To Wisdom's house, where thou mayst rightly spell
Of the best means in Virtue to excell;
Science, which never can be priz'd too dear:
Where thy Great Patron, though in life severe,
Is candid and humane, in doing well
Constant and zelous, studious to repell
Evil by good, in word and deed sincere:
In this fair mirror see thy duty clear,
Practice enforcing what his precepts teach;
This great example study night and day;
If faithful thus thy Christian course thou steer,
Though such perfection thou should'st fail to reach,
Thy generous effort sure rewards will pay.