LINES

TO AN ACCOMPLISHED YOUNG LADY,

Whose Timidity frequently agitated her, when pressed to gratify her
Friends by her Musical Talents.

’Tis said (and I believe it too)
    That genuine merit seeks the shade;
Blushing to think what is her due,
    As of her own sweet pow’rs afraid:—

Thus, lovely maid! on fluttering wings,
    Thy pow’rs a thousand fears pursue,
Which, like thy own harmonious strings,
    When press’d enchant, and tremble too!

The pity, which we give, you owe,
    For mutual fears on both attend;
While anxious thus you joy bestow,
    We fear too soon that joy will end!