Classic Poem

Permit a sister muse to soar
To heights she never knew before,
And then look up to thee;
For sure each female virtue join'd,
Conspire to make thy lovely mind
The seat of harmony.

Thy fame has reach'd the calm retreat,
Where I, secluded from the great,
Have leisure for my lays;
It rais'd ambition in my breast,
Not such as envious souls possess,
Who hate another's praise.

But that which makes me strive to gain,
And ever-grateful I'd retain,
Thy friendship as a prize;
For friendship soars above low rules,
The formal fetters of the schools,
She wisely can despise—
So may fair Laura kindly condescend
And to her bosom take another friend.