University of Virginia Library


315

SONNET XXXV.

To Mr. J. Paice.
Joseph, the worthy Son of worthy Sire,
Who well repay'st thy pious parents care
To train thee in the ways of Virtue fair,
And early with the Love of Truth inspire,
What farther can my closing eyes desire
To see, but that by wedlock thou repair
The waste of death; and raise a virtuous heir
To build our House, e'er I in peace retire?
Youth is the time for Love: Then choose a Wife,
With prudence choose; 'tis Nature's genuine voice;
And what she truely dictates must be good;
Neglected once that prime, our remnant life
Is sour'd, or sadden'd, by an ill-tim'd choice,
Or lonely, dull, and friendless solitude.