To Miss MATILDA FIELDING

Early I greet the opening year, While friendship bids the muse appear, To wish Matilda bless'd. The muse, devoid of selfish art, Obeys the dictates of a heart, Which warms a friendly breast.

The rolling earth again has run Her annual circuit round the sun, And whirl'd the year away: She now her wonted course renews, Her orbit's track again pursues; Nor feels the least decay.

How soon the fleeting hours are gone! The rapid wheels of time glide on, Which bring the seasons round. Winter disrobes the smiling plain, But spring restores its charms again, And decks the fertile ground.

The sweet returns of cheerful May Come with a vivifying ray, Inspiring new delight: Beclad with every various charm To please the eye, the fancy warm, And animate the fight.

But youth no kind renewal knows; Swiftly the blooming season goes, And brings the frost of age! No more the vernal sun appears, To gild the painful round of years, And wintry damps assuage!

With rapid haste the moments fly Which you and I, my friend, enjoy; And they return no more! Then let us wisely now improve The downy moments, as they rove, Which nature can't restore.

O Source of wisdom! we implore Thy aid to guide us safely o'er The slippery paths of youth: O deign to lend a steady ray To point the sure, the certain way To honor and to truth!

Let thy unerring influence shed Its blessings on Matilda's head, While piety and peace, Thy genuine offspring, round her wait, And guard her thro' this transient state, To joys that never cease!

May constant health its charms extend, And fortune every blessing lend, To crown each passing day: May pleasures in succession shine, And every heart-felt bliss be thine, Without the least allay.