Thus wandering wild among the golden grain
That fruitful floats on Bansted's airy plain,
Careless I sung, while summer's western gale
Breath'd health and fragrance thro' the dusky vale;
When from a neighbouring hawthorn, in whose shade
Conceal'd she lay, up-rose th' Aonian maid:
Pleas'd had she listen'd; and, with smiles, she cried,
"Cease, friendly swain! be this thy praise and pride,
" That thou, of all the numerous tuneful throng,
"First in our cause hast fram'd thy generous song.
" And ye, our sister choir! proceed to tread
"The flowery paths of fame, by science led!
" Employ by turns the needle and the pen,
"And in their favourite studies rival men!
" May all our sex your glorious track pursue,
"And keep your bright example still in view!
" These lasting beauties will in youth engage,
"And smooth the wrinkles of deelining age,
" Secure to bloom, unconscious of decay,
"When all Corinna's roses fade away.
" For ev'n when love's short triumph shall be o'er,
"When youth shall please, and beauty charm no more,
" When man shall cease to slatter; when the eye
"Shall cease to sparkle, and the heart to sigh,
" In that dread hour, when parent dust shall claim
"The lifeless tribute of each kindred frame,
" Ev'n then shall wisdom for her chosen fair
"The fragrant wreaths of virtuous fame prepare;
" Those wreaths which flourish in a happier clime.
"Beyond the reach of envy and of time;
" While here, th' immortalizing muse shall save
"Your darling names from dark Oblivion's grave;
" Those names the praise and wonder shall engage
"Of every polish'd, wise, and virtuous age;
" To latest times our annals shall adorn,
"And save from folly thousands yet unborn."