To Miss —, on Her Kind Assistance in the Vocal Parts of an Oratorical Exercise, Performed at the College of…

The pleasing task be mine, sweet maid! To spread thy growing fame; For early virtues such as thine An early honour claim.

'Twas nobly done, to lend thy voice And soft harmonious song, When Freedom was the rapturous theme That warbled from thy tongue.

Yet lovely fair! thy voice, tho' sweet, We should not most admire; Good nature, and the kind intent, A nobler praise require.

Let not the merit all be plac'd In thy harmonious skill; 'Tis not the deed obliges most, The virtue's in the will.

Thus still proceed, above all pride; Such themes be ever thine: So to the good shalt thou be dear, And favour'd by the Nine.