What, tho' the body be confin'd,
I still can boast the unfetter'd mind,
Exclusive, bold, and free;
No downy flannel wraps it round,
No gout can render it unsound,
Or stop its flight to thee.

Permit the bard in humble verse
His friendly greetings to rehearse,
Accept his meed of praise,
Who saw thee...studious alone
To follow wisdom's path...disown
Seductive pleasure's ways.

Believe me, Jane ! that power supreme,
Whose blessings are no idle dream,
Will shower them down on those,
Who dare at virtue's shrine to bow,
Who at his altar pay their vow,
Whence all enjoyment flows.

What tho' no wealth or pomp they share,
To them unknown the fuss and care
Which fashion's children boast;
Theirs is the sunshine of the breast,
With conscious rectitude they're blest,
And this will bless them most.

Think not, confined by pain's rough stroke,
That illness does the song provoke,
Or prompt the serious lay;
Thou know'st, 'midst health's high-beating stream,
This still is C LIO'S darling theme,
" Be good, if you'd be gay, "

This little note a tale shall end;
In Persia's language first 'twas penn'd,
But suits each clime and age;
Its truths the liberal mind declares,
O! were as good each christian's prayers,
As good each priestly page.

The son of N OURHIVAN one day
A reverend sage met in his way,
His face turn'd toward the east;
With eyes and arms to heaven uprais'd,
He first his bounteous maker prais'd,
And then this prayer address'd:...

" Great G OD ! thy mercies be confin'd
" To those thy dictates will not bind,
" To such thy blessings send;
" O give the wicked peace and rest;
" The good in being good are blest,...
" These have thee for their friend. "