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There too presides the gentle fair,
Who made me her peculiar care.
To me by ev'ry tie endear'd!
And still admir'd, belov'd, rever'd!
Skill'd in the rare and happy art
To win the timid, youthful heart;
By manners grac'd with courtly ease,
By playful wit, secure to please.
But who shall tell her mind's rich store,
Imbued with many-languag'd lore?
Who shall the thousand virtues tell,
That in her gentle bosom dwell?
Oh! could I catch from you, bright dame!
One spark of your immortal flame,
My verse should pay the tribute due
To friendship, gratitude, and you!
Twas yours, with polish'd art, to twine
A lovely wreath for Flora's shrine,
To fairest flow'rs fresh beauties give,
Which in your glowing strains shall live,