University of Virginia Library

PREFACE.

Hope.
Proceed, go on, and let the world once view
Dame Nature's gifts she hath bestow'd on you;
Why should that talent she so frankly gave,
Be lost by thee? In this you play the knave.

Fear.
Beware, take heed, consider what you do;
What cares the world for ought perform'd by you?
Poor are your parts, your fortune mean and low,
And money always makes the mare to go.
Your vain ambition puffs you up to stretch,
And striving, fain would rax above your reach;
Fools haste makes waste, so will it fare with you;
'Tis often seen, a poor man's friends are few.

Hope.
Sure Heav'n and Nature something have design'd,
In raising you above the vulgar kind;
Without th'advantage of an education,
Such ne'er was seen since Scotland was a nation:
Shake off dull fears, apply the great and good,
Sure Fate will favour you, you may conclude.

Fear.
Who climbs to rash, may catch a fall at last;
He must run slow at length who runs too fast.
Ye little know what straits an author's in;
Your loss comes first, and yet no hopes to win.
Expence and travel you must undergo,
Ere ye accomplish't; and yourself may know
How insufficient, poor and indigent
You are for that on which your mind is bent.

Hope.
Tush, senseless fears, take courage and once try,
There's no assurance till you first essay;
Cowards die of fear, while yet they have no cause,
He wins no honour who from fortune flies;
He that's faint-hearted wins no lady fair,
Heav'n gives no grace, unless 'tis sought by pray'r.
Apply the gen'rous, then; when they refuse,
Drop all your hopes, but never blame your muse:
Indulgent Heav'n who gave the gift to thee,
Rules over fate, gives fortune her decree:
Both are connected, and will surely move
Men to befriend, and of thy muse approve,
And Critics banter turn to sympathy;
Take courage therefore, and be frank and try.
Experience she can speak for me, and tell
You was encourag'd; let true hope prevail,
And banish fear; that slavish fear which racks
Your purest fancy, and your mind distracts:
Be of good cheer, enjoy what Heav'n thee gave,
Your Muse will shine among the Great and Brave.