Letter X

From Letter X:

[48] Oh, my young friends, suffer me not to plead in vain. I am every moment wishing for more emphatic language, more powerful arguments, that I might induce you to form a habit, which is connected with health, usefulness and enjoyment.

The following stanzas very faintly express my meaning. If the sentiments be neither new nor striking, here is, at least, this advantage in the present form, -- that they may easily be remembered.

See what crimson glory shines

Through the curtain on thy bed:

Kindly all those radiant lines,

From the pillow lure thine head.

[49]

Fling thy long closed casement wide:

Hark! what soft, melodious lays,

On mine ear these accents glide,

“Rationals, arise and praise.”

O, what scents come on the gale,

Stores of fragrance now unfold;

’Tis those blossoms fill the vale,

Finely tinged with pink and gold.

Health sits waiting on the hill;

Fly, and drink the morning air:

Pleasure shall thy bosom fill,

Whilst thou seek’st the goddess there.

See what numerous beauties shine,

Wheresoe’er the eye can rove;

Presents from a Hand Divine,

To the children of his love.

Let the wings of morning bear

To that Parent songs of praise;

Let them speed with ardent pray’r,

For his blessing through thy days.

Precious is each fleeting hour;

Haste, and greet the moment given;

Virtues’ joys are in thy power;

Rise, and take her path to heaven.