Classic Poem

EXPOSED, FROM HER SITUATION IN LIFE, TO MUCH TEMPTATION .

While ardent youth, and age, with hobbling pace,
Admire the beauties of thy charming face;
Attend the counsels of a friend sincere, —
Counsels that seldom reach the fair — one's ear!
Avoid those men who flatter to betray;
Insects that leave their stings, and fly away!
Who, with false vows, pretend an ardent flame,
Then basely triumph in a virgin's shame!
Let prudence guard thee from their treacherous art,
Nor let a hypocrite obtain thy heart:
Reserve that jewel for some gen'rous youth,
Whose soul is honour, and whose word is truth;
His constant love shall ev'ry bliss afford,
At once thy captive, and thy " Bosom's Lord " !