Scripto | Page Revision | Transcription

[page 5]

sheet 2

Besides, the happy manner in which they \you/ touch on your main subject in this verse

‘not early like fair Laura’ spirit fly’

pleads strongly for this stanza – but

‘The Boast & blessing of thy native Isle’

is my dear sister, too Hyperbolical – as to your Eagle-stanza, poetical as it is, (being as Heaven knows pure Fiction) I apprehend it may expose you to much raillery, & some Wag, who happens to know what a crazy-headed mortal you have raised so high, will perhaps parody \improve/ yr two concluding Lines in this manner

Then seek his radiant \wonted/ Track in radiant noon
Rise from thy blooming Groves, & Vanish in the moon

When you know me a little better, you will perceive the excellence of this correction.

In the mean Time let me speak on the safer subject, of yr Praise – Ansty has never