The Virginia Gazette

POET'S CORNER.

The following lines were written by a Gentleman to his Lady, who had pressed him to exert his poetical talents in her favour.

WHY, dearest Nancy, will thou tease?
Can verses from a husband please?
Can you admire what I indite?
You answer yes; then read the truth,
Expect no flattery from a friend;
What, though you're in the bloom of youth,
Your beauty I will not commend.
Twas not those charms, which all admire,
That pleased my eye, or caused my flame;
Those are what commonly inspire,
I found my Nancy had a heart.
A heart that felt another's woe,
Which few among your sex profess;
That bid the virtuous tear to flow,
Twas all you had to give distress.
And rich the gift; from those bright eyes,
That smile divine on them they love
Like virtue, clear of all disguise,
Tis known whene'er they disapprove.
Above all vanity or pride,
Your noble soul superior rose,
Content with virtue for your guide;
To charm your friends, and awe your foes
Such worth intrinsic fixed my heart,
These mental charms pure love inspired;
Twas then I wished to share a part
Of what, with rapture, I admired.
Kindly you listened to my pray'r
And granted what no sordid pelf
Could purchase: O, to end my care,
Blessed forever with yourself.

WILLIAMSBURG, January 20, 1775.