September 1800

If, gentle Lady, thou hast paid Thy faithful vows at Hymen’s shrine, Oft in these silken folds be laid Each tender animated line,

Which absent Love sincerely pours As business urges forc’d delay; Kind sun-beams of the winter’d hours, When thy dear Lord is far away.

And, gentle Lady, round thy knees Do blooming infants gaily sport, With duteous smiles essay to please, With lifted eyes thy favour court?

O! may their virtues noon-tide rays, That now, in Life’s fresh morning dawn, Illuminate thy waning days, When Time’s dim veils are o’er thee drawn!