An ADDRESS to Miss Katherine Wigglesworth of Newbury Port on her
return from Boston where she had the Small Pox by inoculation.
Newbury, October 16, 1792.
LOVELY NYMPH;
HAVING been lately shock'd with news that you were dead in Boston of the small
pox and soon after transported with the agreeable intelligence that the melancholy
report was false, and that you were out of danger from the alarming indisposition, I can-
not (though an unfortunate swain and perhaps unknown to you) suppress the pleasure
that I feel on this joyful occasion, and therefore beg your acceptance of the following
POEM.
SHE'S Gone! her matchless soul has fled!
Her body's number'd with the dead!
Relentless death has with his dart
Pierc'd lovely Katy to the heart!
Indulge my soul, indulge your grief
Nor ever think to find relief!
Quick fill with sighs the ambient air,
And set no bounds to your dispair!
No more this Continent can boast
The loveliest nymph upon its coast
That ever bless'd man's ravish'd eyes;
She's gone and far above the skys!
Arch angels their and happy saints,
Who little mind our loud complaints,
Must have the prize which we have lost,
And be more happy at our cost!
Short is the race that mortals run ---
Few are their joys below the fun ---
We know and to our grief alas ---
That every kind of flesh is grass ---
The role the lilly of the world
Is to her grave with fury hurld!
On eagles wings her tender fire
Flew swift to see his child expire!
Or save her if below the sun,
Aught that could save her could be done;
In vain his arm was strecth'd to save
The hapless victim from the grave:
He only could arrive to see
His darling in her agony!
To see her fetch her latest breath!
And all the angel lose in death!
Who can describe his keen distress?
What bard his sorrow can express?
These were my thoughts fair blooming Miss,
When I'd the soul enchanting bliss
To hear that you were yet alive:
And that at home you'd soon arrive --
That you from danger then was free,
Though not quite free from misery --
Thanks to the Lord of all said I
Bless'd be the ruler of the sky --
Still in this fleeting life there's bliss
Still pleasures which I shall not miss;
I probably shall see again
The lovely Katy trip the plain.
See her as lovely as before!
And long her sense and worth adore --
All nature round me seems to shine
With lustre radiant and divine --
Your welcome Miss again to health --
I wish you same, long life and wealth --
To Newbury Port your welcome back
I hope you'll pleasure never lack --
You still are welcome to the love
Of men below and saints above
I am dear nymph with zeal most fervent,
Your most obedient humble servant ----
Jonathan Plumer, junr.