To ---, with the following Poem.
[_]
The attribution of this poem is questionable.
An idle verse, essay'd in early age,
That dares, too bold, the vanities arraign
Of the gay, lovely fair, sues to engage
Thy gentle ear, O, Delia! with its strain.
O! blest with beauty, but whose noblest sway,
Just sense, pure honour, softest manners found,
The wanton Muse, with her presumptuous lay,
Would vainly strive thy solid praise to wound.
Whilst the gay Tulips of thy race maintain,
Thro' a short space their name and honours vain,
Slighted, when spring and summer's rays are past;
Unwounded by the ravages of time,
Thy graces bloom to know a longer prime,
Nor dread chill winter and his icy blast.
