To a Lady, on Seeing Her Closet

Say, can I enter this sequester'd bow'r, Where fair Melodia spends the serious hour, And not the humble muse attempt a song? A muse, the meanest of the tuneful throng.

Hail, Meditation! source of sweeter joys Than ever sprang from vain Amusement's noise: Shunn'd by the giddy, hated by the gay; But who fatigued, and who deceiv'd as they?

Friendship would wish, nor may it wish in vain, Blessings descending in a numerous train; A rich return for ev'ry just desire That hence ascends in pure Devotion's fire.

Friendship would wish, Melodia here may find Peace in her soul, and vigour in her mind: A present God, a heaven begun within, Faith conquering Fear, and Grace subduing Sin.

In this retreat may bright Devotion reign, With sacred pleasures smiling in her train; In this retreat may female genius shine, To beautify the sentimental line.

Melodia's page can never fail to please, Each thought express'd with elegance and ease; Her modest wit, her piety and sense Stamp real worth on all imparted hence.

Proceed, Melodia, with increasing skill, Dispensing pleasure, and improving still; But, O ingenious maid! be health your care— Prudence forbids your late continuance here.

May earth detain you long, a useful guest, To friends a blessing, and by friendship blest: If cares invade, my inward peace prevail, Nor God withdraw, nor closet pleasures fail.