(seq. 16)

10

Beneath a parents all supporting aid,

Whose fond caresses never from me strayd,

But sweetly strewd my path with festal flow'rs,

In countless numbers lost & ceaseless show'rs ~

Blest with a Sire, whose heart was ever free,

That opend each parental store to me;

The small petition never was denid,

Where I had right to ask, or justly tryd;

Nor ever met a frown, but justly giv'n,

Kind as the smile deliberate as reason ~

Amidst the prosperous gale of pamperd ease,

Secure from want, but not from pale disease,

I traveld thro the torpid length of years

And ill sustaind the load of sickly fears,

That constant preyd upon my vital part

And sunk in lassitude my throbbing heart;

From agriculture, honest, simple joy,

Which enteratins its thousands in imploy,

Whose lap luxuriant, sheds its wealth abroad,

The peasants joy & smiles the wealthy lord;

From these gay scenes where humble nature smiles

Amidst the verdant bloom, where art beguiles