The HEROIC FAIR

Away with soft sighs! our danger alarms! Our country solicits our smiles to its aid; Let our beauty inspirit its vot'ries to arms, And heroes alone win the hearts of the maid.

Last month my dear Colin, with tear-swimming eyes, Press'd my hand, while he lock'd a whole volume of woe; Ev'n then (for my heart never wore a disguise) If you love me, said I, go and conquer the foe.

Go and rush to the fight, go and conquer the foe; Securing your country's, secure your own bliss, Love shall nerve your bold arm, love shall prosper each blow, And the ruin of France shall procure you a kiss.

Go, then! He obey'd, resolv'd not to stay, But press'd my lips first; how else cou'd we part? I sigh'd him success, as the youth went away; For his worth had secur'd ev'ry wish of my heart

If by my example my sex was inspir'd, No nation would dare to provoke British rage, Our Swains with true courage would always be fir'd, And our smiles create Heroes in every age.