As some fair vi'let, loveliest of the…

As some fair vi'let, loveliest of the glade, Sheds its mild fragrance on the lonely shade, Withdraws its modest head from public sight, Nor courts the sun, nor seeks the glare of light; Should some rude hand prophanely dare intrude, And bear its beauties from its native wood, Expos'd abroad its languid colours sly, Its form decays, and all its odours die. So woman born to dignify retreat, Unknown to flourish, and unseen, be great; To give domestic life its sweetest charm, With softness polish, and with virtue warm; Fearful of fame, unwilling to be known, Should seek but Heaven's applauses and her own; No censures dread but those which crimes impart, The censures of a self-condemning heart. With angel kindness should behold distress, And meekly pity, where she can't redress. Like beaming mercy wipe affliction's tear, But to herself, not justice so severe. Her passions all corrected or subdu'd But one—the virtuous thirst of doing good. This great ambition still she calls her own, This best ambition makes her breast its throne.

HAIL Power Eternal, infinite, immense, Creator and Redeemer, Lord of life, All good, all wise, all perfect, all divine! Increase my ardour, elevate my soul, And draw me from this idle, useless world, To better thoughts—the thoughts of that to come! Let me not beg of blessings from thy hand, But for increase of virtue: Gracious pour Thy Holy Spirit on my soul; so make Thy servant perfect, fit for Heav'n and thee: And thou art good! Oh guide me with thy hand, Cure all the fond, vain evils of my heart, And stifle every growing folly there! Oh! my Redeemer, kindly condescend To hear my prayer and grant—yet wherefore speak! If it seems good, bestow the boon I wish; (Thou knowest my thoughts) if not, thy will be done!