 | Poems to Thespia |  |
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XV. To Mrs. DOWNMAN.
Dear to my heart! from whom my being came!To whose assiduous zeal, and watchful mind,
The preservation of life's new-born flame
I owe. Who well deservest my grateful praise
For more exalted gifts; the step of youth
Guiding to moral virtue, to the ways
Of justice, mercy, honour, candour, truth.
To whom is due, (by thee at first inclined)
Whatever elevates thy son above
Earth's creeping race, the soul-enchanting fire
Of poetry, the unlimited desire
Of fame, integrity, and constant love;
Whether they mildly beam, or strongly shine,
(Taught by thy precepts) all his strains are thine.
| Poems to Thespia | |