To a Young Gentlewoman, with Thomson’s Seasons, Doubled Down at the Story of Palemon and Lavinia

Anna, when you shall read in this true tale How young Lavinia from her lowly state Was led to splendor, wealth, and dignity, By generous Palemon wooed and won To be his bride, (such happy fortune found Her virtues, and deserved no less)—so think Your beauty, temper’d with sweet bashful grace Of modesty and native elegance, So think these charms—not sparingly bestow’d But in the pride and prodigality Of liberal Nature, fashioning her work To a rare excellence,—these shall inflame Each generous heart with love, and the dear hope To win your gentle favour, and possess A lovelier Lavinia found in you.