Woodward Del.

Etch'd by RowlandSON.

# THE WIDOW'S PRAYER!!

O THOU that givest Sanction to Marriages, and comfortest the Widow, prolific HYMEN! hear thy drooping Supplicant, Alas! thou knowest I have buried three Husbands, all of whom I moft tenderly efteamod; but what avails the strongeft Affection; Flesh is but Grafs, mowed down in an Instant, nor will any thing laft for ever!!

O benignant HYMEN! hear me, though my Diftrels is inutterable for the Lofs of my dear departed Partners in Felicity; yet teach me a becoming Philosophy on the Occafion, and if it fhould pleafe thee to fend a fourth Helpmate, let my Kindneſs towards him, if poffible, be increaſed, and ſtrengthen my Fortitude and Refignation in caſe of his Demife.

Extend, I pray thee, the fame Mercies to a fifth or sixth, if I should fo often enter into the honourable State of Matrimony. And laſtly, in my old Age, ſhould it pleafe thy goodneſs to grant me a seventh, may we glide through the remnants of our Lives mutually loving and beloved.

May theſe my Precepts and Examples be followed by my Children's Children to the lateſt Poffe­rity, as nothing is more prieſe-worthy, than a wifh and endeavour to multiply the Number of our fellow Creatures, for the general good and benefit of Society.

PRINTED BY E. SPRAGG, NO. 27, BOW-STREET, COVENT-GARDEN.