On VIRTUE.
O Thou bright jewel in my aim I ſtrive
To comprehend thee. Thine own words declare
Wiſdom is higher than a fool can reach.
I ceaſe to wonder, and no more attempt
Thine height t' explore, or fathom thy profound.5
But, O my ſoul, ſink not into deſpair,
Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand
Would now embrace thee, hovers o'er thine head.
Fain would the heav'n-born ſoul with her converſe,
Then ſeek, then court her for her promis'd bliſs.
Auſpicious queen, thine heav'nly pinions ſpread,
And lead celeſtial Chaſtity along;
Lo! now her ſacred retinue deſcends,
Array'd in glory from the orbs above.
Attend me, Virtue, thro' my youthful years!15
O leave me not to the falſe joys of time!
But guide my ſteps to endleſs life and bliſs.
Greatneſs,
