The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

The Power of Innocence.

1.
The blooming damsel, whose defence
Is adamantine innocence,

Requires no guardian to attend
Her steps: for modesty's her Friend.

Tho' her fair Arms are weak to wield
The glitt'ring spear and massive shield;
Yet safe from force and fraud combin'd,
She is an Amazon in mind.

With this artillery She goes
Not only 'mongst the harmless Beaux,
But e'en unhurt and undismay'd,
Views the long sword, and fierce cockade,

Tho' all a Siren as she talks,
And all a Goddess as she walks.
Yet decency each Motion guides,
And wisdom o'er her tongue presides.

Place her in Russia's frozen Plains,
Where a perpetual winter reigns,
The elements may rave and rage,
Yet her fix'd mind will never change.

Place her ambition in high tow'rs
'Mongst the more dangerous golden show'rs,
E'en there she'd spurn the venal tribe,
And fold her arms against the bribe.

Leave her defenceless and alone.
A pris'ner in the torrid zone,
The sunshine there might plainly vie
With the bright lustre of her eye;

But PHOEBUS' self, with all his fire,
Cou'd ne'er one unchaste thought inspire:
But virtue's path he'd still pursue,
And still, ye fair, wou'd copy you.