The Scene Changed, or, Betty's ta'en the Gee/Chapter 5

YE VIRGIN POWERS.

YE virgin powers, defend my heart,
from amorous looks and smiles;
From fancy love, or nicer art,
which most our sex beguiles.

From sighs and vows, and awful fears,
that do to pity move;
From speaking sileuce, and from tears,
those springs that water love.

But if through passion I grow blind,
let honour be my guide;
And when frail nature seems inclin’d,
there place a guard of pride.

An heart, whose flames are seen, tho’ pure,
needs every virtue’s aid;
And she who thinks herself secure,
the soonest is betray’d.

Printed by J. & M. Robertson, Saltmarket, 1802.