Sonnet. to a Lady of Indiscreet Virtue

While you, fair ANNA, innocently gay, And free and open, all reserve disdain; Where-ever Fancy leads securely stray, And conscious of no ill can fear no stain;

Let calm Discretion guide with steady rein, Let early Caution twitch your gentle ear; She'll tell you Censure lays her wily train, To blast those beauties which too bright appear.

Ah me! I see the monster lurking near, I know her haggard eye, and poisonous tongue, She scans your actions with malicious leer, Eager to wrest and represent them wrong; Yet shall your conduct, circumspect and clear, Nor baleful touch, nor fangs envenom'd fear.