Classic Poem

A Novel.

No more let grave Philosophers complain,
Or deem the tale of W ERTER , Virtue's bane,
Let them peruse thy feeling page, and know
What lasting morals from his Sorrows flow:
How taught by him to shun the fatal way,
Which leads the mind from Virtue's paths astray,
To scenes where Peace and Happiness are lost,
And the torn Soul with anxious cares is crost,
Each youthful heart may shun the fatal snare,
And, early warn'd, of lawless love beware.

Yet not for this alone T HERESA lives,
A needful lesson to the Fair she gives,
That e'en the Virtue which we most admire,
Fair S ENSIBILITY'S enchanting fire,
If uncontroul'd by Reason's aweful charms,
O'erpow'rs the tender soul which most it warms.

Hail, fair Enthusiast! while thy lines we trace,
Adorn'd with tenderness, and Virtue's grace,
The flowing tears a painful joy impart,
And ev'ry sigh improves the bursting heart.