Classic Poem

To a Friend.

Let God 's just law, direct your future fate,
To change the single for the wedded state;
Try the blest converse of a virtuous wife,
And blend a moral with a social life.

Yet ponder well, reflection be thy friend,
On this one step your future blessings pend.
If chequer'd plumes her precious time employ,
Or on her breast proud sits the sparkling toy;
If self-love only her light bosom sways,
Which heaves with transports if but soplings praise;
If the loud laugh your weari'd ear astounds,
Or ceaseless thunder from her lips resounds;
If prone to rove she spurns at all control,
Her eyes the emblems of a tainted soul;
Tho' bright her charms as the bright god of day,
Quick turn your footsteps from her paths away;
Nor let thy soul, by false allurements won,
On Siren rocks in fond delusion run.

But when a heart of softer mould you find,
With gentle manners, to fine feelings join'd;
A mind accomplish'd, with a pleasing air,
Let her the comforts of thy household share.
She'll prove thy friend thro' all the storms of life,
A fond companion — and a loving wife.
Oh! bless kind heav'n that cou'd such joys impart,
And let thy love endear thee to her heart;
And when thy wife, be thou respectful still,
That all thy house may yield them to her will.
Check not her wishes, but with tender care,
Who feels thy sorrows shou'd thy pleasures share.
Reprove her faults, by soothing — not command,
Nor force obedience with an iron hand;
Let her chaste breast thy secrets all receive,
A friend respected never will deceive.
Think on the pangs she for your children bore,
And drive the leering harlot from your door.
When thro' her blood disorders wastful rage,
Let fond attentions all her griefs assuage;
Kind looks will more her drooping spirits prop,
Than all the balmy sirups of the shop.
Yield to the weakness of her softer frame,
Nor chide her soibles, when you own the same.