To Myra

Could these weak nerves, this trembling hand impart

The animated wish, the tender sigh

That pleases and that pains this throbbing heart,

Then Friendship’s form should meet thy mental eye.

Oh train’d to virtue in Affliction’s school,

Long since convinc’d what Heaven ordains is best;

Still, still adhere to this unerring rule,

Be Resignation still a welcome guest.

In suffering and in sentiment allied

What boon for Myra shall my wishes crave?

That gracious Heaven would be her constant guide,

In grief support her and from danger save!

Oft through the gloomy shades of mortal night,

O may my friend enjoy a cheering ray

(Sweet emanation of sincere delight!)

From the fair regions of eternal day.

There may we meet, and with the blissful choir

To Love Divine the song triumphant raise!

While grateful Wonder tunes the raptur’d lyre

To boundless pleasure and immortal praise.

Text: 1780, vol. 3, pp. 128-9; also STE 3/3/6, no. 4, MS, Steele Collection, Angus Library, Regents Park College; also Nonconformist Women Writers, vol. 2, p. 83.