Scripto | Page Revision | Transcription

[page 4]

If Freedom their just claims regard,
oft to the Justice must the Bard The Palm of Worth surrender:
Tho' Laurels deck his loftier Brow,
The Flatterer of Pomp must bow
To Poverty'^s defender—

When each, with firm unspotted Heart,
Maintains the Lustre of his Part,
If Truth their merits scan,
Their different Virtues both endear,
and Reason will in each revere
The real Friend of Man—
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This poetical Mushroom started up on the day, that I first considered yr Epistle, & I have just discovered, that I did not send it to you as I intended – What a sweet Picture might your tender Imagination form of the truely beneficent Country Justice! pray think of is & engraft it on yr Poem – No! I revoke this request: pray think of nothing but of setting out for Eartham! – Eliza most earnestly joins me in this last Intreaty, & in every kind wish towards you — say much for us to yr good Father on His so generously befriending our Hopes of seeing you & believe me

ever yr most affectionate WH