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 | The boarding school, or, Lessons of a preceptress to her pupils ; consisting of information, instruction, and advice, calculated to improve the manners, and form the character of young ladies ; to which is added, a collection of letters, written by the pupils, to their instructor, their friends, and each other |  |
140
To Miss LAURA GUILFORD.
Boston.
Boston.
MY DEAR LAURA,
Rambling in the garden, I have picked
a nosegay, which I transmit to you as a token
of my remembrance. Though the poetical bagatelle
which accompanies it is not equal to the
elegance of the subject; yet I confide in your
candour to excuse its futility, and give a favourable
interpretation to its design.
Laura, this little gift approve,
Pluck'd by the hand of cordial love!
With nicest care the wreath I've dress'd,
Fit to adorn your friendly breast.
The rose and lilly are combin'd,
As emblems of your virtuous mind!
Pure as the first is seen in thee
Sweet blushing sensibility.
Carnations here their charms display,
And nature shines in rich array,
Od'rous, as virtue's accents sweet,
From Laura's lips with wit replete.
The myrtle with the laurel bound,
And purple amaranthus crown'd,
Within this little knot unite,
Like Laura's charms, to give delight!
Pluck'd by the hand of cordial love!
With nicest care the wreath I've dress'd,
Fit to adorn your friendly breast.
The rose and lilly are combin'd,
As emblems of your virtuous mind!
Pure as the first is seen in thee
Sweet blushing sensibility.
Carnations here their charms display,
And nature shines in rich array,
Od'rous, as virtue's accents sweet,
From Laura's lips with wit replete.
The myrtle with the laurel bound,
And purple amaranthus crown'd,
Within this little knot unite,
Like Laura's charms, to give delight!
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Fair, fragrant, soft, like beauty dress'd;
So she unrivall'd stands confess'd;
While blending still each finish'd grace,
Her virtues in her mien we trace;
Virtues, which far all tints outshine,
And, verdant, brave the frost of time.
So she unrivall'd stands confess'd;
While blending still each finish'd grace,
Her virtues in her mien we trace;
Virtues, which far all tints outshine,
And, verdant, brave the frost of time.
I am, &c.
SOPHIA MANCHESTER.
| The boarding school, or, Lessons of a preceptress to her pupils ; consisting of information, instruction, and advice, calculated to improve the manners, and form the character of young ladies ; to which is added, a collection of letters, written by the pupils, to their instructor, their friends, and each other | |