In which the Author addresses two Sisters of his intimate Acquaintance, (one married unhappily) upon their informing him that they were obliged to submit to a Separation; the youngest, Miss. H. going to live with her Mother .
I.
Scarce yet restor'd to social Joy,
How little did I dream,
A second Stroke so soon prepar'd,
To damp Life's future Scene!
II.
And must our Friendship finish here? ā
But what must be your Grief,
Ill-fated Fair, depriv'd of all,
A Sister's dear Relief?
III.
So fair, and yet so early known,
To Cruelty and Wrong,
The shameful Author well deserves,
A Lash from ev'ry Tongue.
IV.
Let Patience, and a conscious Calm,
Support your Virtue still;
Heav'n will afford you fresh Resource,
Depriv'd of Sister H LL .
V.
She but obeys a duteous Call,
Nor willingly departs;
A Mother's Claim ā what need of more
To move the best of Hearts?
VI
In Friendship's Name continue here,
To foreign Parts why roam?
Preserve Equality of Mind ,
You've ev'ry Thing at Home.
I.
Scarce yet restor'd to social Joy,
How little did I dream,
A second Stroke so soon prepar'd,
To damp Life's future Scene!
II.
And must our Friendship finish here? ā
But what must be your Grief,
Ill-fated Fair, depriv'd of all,
A Sister's dear Relief?
III.
So fair, and yet so early known,
To Cruelty and Wrong,
The shameful Author well deserves,
A Lash from ev'ry Tongue.
IV.
Let Patience, and a conscious Calm,
Support your Virtue still;
Heav'n will afford you fresh Resource,
Depriv'd of Sister H LL .
V.
She but obeys a duteous Call,
Nor willingly departs;
A Mother's Claim ā what need of more
To move the best of Hearts?
VI
In Friendship's Name continue here,
To foreign Parts why roam?
Preserve Equality of Mind ,
You've ev'ry Thing at Home.