The Fortunate Disappointment

To teach our ductile youth the pleasing art, Whose powers persuasive steal into the heart, When graceful motion, and when accent just, Prove faithful ever to the writer’s trust, No idle aim, no light design betrays, For virtue smiles on generous thirst of praise; And oft exterior elegance we find Give added influence to the noble mind! Since warmest glow the emulative fires, If, while our sense approves, our taste admires.

But more important, more exalted views Prompt the kind efforts of our moral muse. Still (that the youthful maid each fault may scorn, Of cold reserve, or baser malice born) Bid fair Ingenuousness each thought reveal, To the mild guardians of her studied weal, Whom long experience has empower’d to know, When fleeting pleasures lead to lasting woe.

Thus, while forewarn’d by them, ye shun the bowers Where serpents lurk beneath the gaudy flowers, Oft will their cares the passing hour employ To ope for you the springs of genuine joy; Point the safe track where Life’s worst perils cease, The ways of pleasantness, the paths of peace.