Page:The works of Anna Laetitia Barbauld volume 1.djvu/250

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166

TO THE MISS WEBSTERS,

WITH DR. AIKIN'S "WISH," WHICH THEY EXPRESSED A DESIRE TO HAVE A COPY OF.

Not this the Wish in life's first, gayest page,
Becomes your opening years and golden prime;
Not these the hopes should your soft thoughts engage,
Whose buds of joy are yet uncropt by Time.

When blood begins to creep, when fled is youth,
And nature verges toward lethargic rest,
Gardens and groves the languid mind may soothe,
And fire-side comforts satisfy the breast.