Secure of Glory in Palemon's Lays
Æmilia now looks down on vulgar Praise
But oh the Muse such Raptures can't bestow
As those which only Friendships Vot'ries know
Her Joys are lasting & her pleasures sure
Blooming as Youth & as old age mature
Unbounded Confidence with placid Air
And Truth & Constancy belong to her
The mutual Wish the reciprocal Heart
The Soul-taught glow without th' allay of Art.
If I should strive t' impede its gentle Course
And damp with Custom's forms its sacred Force
I might as well resist the vital Heat
Which animates & makes this heart to beat.
My Soul disdains the little grov'ling Rules
The formal Fetters of the Female Schools
The Seat of Friendship is the gen'rous Mind
To Sex or Sect She cannot be confin'd
Then take Palemon what you deign'd to ask
Altho' you'll find it scarcely worth the Task
Yet if a Heart, without design sincere
Can form the Friend youll surely find it here.