I've read your letter o'er and o'er again,
Happy to find you faithful do remain,
Besides forgiveness; though too much I fear,
I long have made you victim to despair.
You say two years with fervency I strove
To keep affection, constancy, and love;
But soon as crosses came upon my mind,
Was careless of you, and appear'd unkind.
I knew my home was neat, serene, and nice;
But, ah! that home I lost, allured by vice.
Soon as you fled, a different scene in view,
Gone all attention soon as I lost you.
The quick retort was always in my ears,
You've drown'd a virtuous wife in sorrow's tears.
Soon as I found all hopes to meet you fled,
I pray'd I might be number'd with the dead:
Oblivion's aid I oft invok'd by drink,
I could not meditate nor dared to think.
You say it cost you tears to write to me,
But they'll disperse when you a convert see.
Long I've invok'd a pardon from above,
To make me worthy of the wife I love:
Return, and till my days are at an end,
I'll prove protector, guardian, and a friend.
The converse delicate, the smile sincere,
Will check the sigh, and stop the rising tear;
Cheerful as formerly we'll pass our life,
A happy husband I, and you the wife.
ON SEEING AN AMIABLE WOMAN
DISTRESSED IN MIND.
Oh gracious God, her peace restore,
And make her sufferings less;
Let frenzied thoughts disturb no more,
Or sorrow on her press.
Pour down thy blessings, on a mind
Encompass'd round by grief;
Let fortune smile and friends be kind,
To nature grant relief.
'Twas pure affection caus'd her tears,
And furrow'd beauty's face;
But thou can lull to rest her fears,
By thy almighty grace.
May guardian angels plant their seat,
Beside the lovely fair;
While hope and comfort frequent meet,
To keep her from despair.
Tranquillity thou dove-ey'd maid,
A visit quickly pay;
Of virtue's self, be not afraid,
Stay with her all the day.