[Written in the absence of her husband.]

Asteria , why will you consume
In Sighs and Tears your rosy Bloom?
No more your youthful Husband mourn,
He soon shall to your Arms return:
Propitious Winds shall waft him o'er,
Enriched from Britain's fruitful Shore;
In vain the Nymphs display their Charms
To win him to their longing Arms:
Tho' strong Temptations court the Youth,
Doubt not his Constancy and Truth;
They fix'd as Rocks, unmov'd remain,
While Winds and Waves assault in Vain.

You only teach his Soul to know
The secret Pang, the tender Woe;
For you he feels a thousand Fears,
And oft bedews his Couch with Tears.

Ah! then in kind Return beware,
Lest tempting Words your Heart ensnare:
Avoid the Dusk and silent Shade,
Nor heed the painful Serenade:
Let Prudence, that unerring Guide,
O'er ev'ry Thought and Act preside;
So shall your Faith and Virtue prove
Worthy his matchless Truth and Love.