AN ADDRESS Spoken at the HAY-MARKET THEATRE by MR. LACY, September 13, 1784

When first Pandora's box, beneath whose lid All Evils lay in dreadful ambush hid, Its treasur'd plagues let loose upon mankind, Hope only, cordial Hope, remain'd behind; Hope! the sole balm of pain, sole charm for grief, That gives the mind in agony relief! She, with her sister Patience (Heavenly pair!) Teaches weak man the load of life to bear.

As some poor mariner by tempest tost, Shipwreck'd at last, and in the sea near lost, Cleaves to one plank, and braving shoal and sand, Buoy'd up by Hope, attempts to gain the land; Thus I, my treasures on the waters cast, Guided by Hope, seek here a port at last. Oh! might I cast secure my Anchor here! Should Kindness sooth my Grief and ease my Fear! Warm Gratitude, all anxious to repay The soft restorers of my happier day, Within my swelling breast new Pow'rs may raise, And guide my feeble Aims to gain your Praise!