HYMN to VIRTUE. Mary Robinson (née Darby) Alexander Huber Editor Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Broad Street Oxford OX1 3BG UK
Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive
Taylor Institution Library St Giles' Oxford OX1 3NA UK info@eighteenthcenturypoetry.org https://www.eighteenthcenturypoetry.org/
Oxford This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. T100118 Robinson, Mary, 1758-1800. Poems by Mrs. Robinson [poems only]. London Printed for C. Parker, the Upper Part of New Bond-Street 1775 pp. 87-90. [8],134p.,plate; 8⁰.

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HYMN to VIRTUE . I Divine inhabitant of heaven , To whom superior power is given , Ah ! deign to guide my will , Teach me to shun deceit and art , To own a feeling , generous heart , And guard my mind from ill . II When thou appearest ( lovely maid , ) With all thy wond'rous charms display'd , With modest , gentle eye , Pleas'd I behold thy matchless grace , Thy beauteous form , thy blooming face , Fair daughter of the sky . III Thou guide to youth , support to age , Direct the young , advise the sage , Shew them the road to fame , They who thy counsels do revere , Inspir'd by thee can never err , Or stain thy sacred name . IV If it's your wish ye blooming fair , To live content , be this your care , Make truth your constant rule , Let wise experience , teach you sense , With modesty , and innocence , Improve in virtues school . V Ne'er trust to fortune , fickle dame , Nor play with honor's sacred name , Be cautious how ye stray , Let prudence govern all your heart , Beware of flatt'rys venom'd dart , Nor tread the slip'ry way . VI Be it my task to sing thy praise , In virtues cause my voice I'll raise , And all my time employ , A recompence I largely find , A peaceful conscience , quiet mind , A life of heartfelt joy .