73
TO A YOUNG LADY DURING SICKNESS.
My gentle Jane, accept a willing lay,
An honest tribute most sincerely penned;
No empty compliments I mean to pay,
But simply breathe the wishes of a friend.
An honest tribute most sincerely penned;
No empty compliments I mean to pay,
But simply breathe the wishes of a friend.
Perchance the Muse may prompt a serious strain,
As one best suited to a suffering hour;
But soon may'st thou both health and strength regain,
Nor feel the sad effects of sickness' power.
As one best suited to a suffering hour;
But soon may'st thou both health and strength regain,
Nor feel the sad effects of sickness' power.
Yet think, dear girl, while yet it pleases Him
(Who chastens whom he loves) your faith to try,
Who calls for clouds the youthful eye to dim,
That earth's vain scenes may pass dazzling by,—
(Who chastens whom he loves) your faith to try,
Who calls for clouds the youthful eye to dim,
That earth's vain scenes may pass dazzling by,—
