This edition is the property of the editors. It may be copied freely by individuals for personal use, research, and teaching (including distribution to classes) as long as this statement of availability is included in the text. It may be linked to by internet editions of all kinds.
Scholars interested in changing or adding to these texts by, for example, creating a new edition of the text (electronically or in print) with substantive editorial changes, may do so with the permission of the publisher. This is the case whether the new publication will be made available at a cost or free of charge.
This text may not be not be reproduced as a commercial or non‐profit product, in print or from an information server.
Available at: http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/English/BWRP/Works/DacrCHours2.sgm
Cite this Item
"Hours of Solitude. A Collection of Original Poems. Volume II." In the digital collection British Women Romantic Poets. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/DacrCHours2. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 27, 2024.
Pages
descriptionPage 128
TO PRUDENCE.
HENCE, Prudence! bane of ev'ry virtuous deed,Child of Cold Prejudice and selfish Fear,Insensible to Sorrow's bitter tear,Wrung from the heart thou bid'st unpitied bleed!
Oh, Innocence! compell'd to seek the shade,And pine neglected in the cheerless wild,Defam'd by Slander, Envy's fav'rite child,Weep on, for Prudence shuns thee, wretched maid!
Poor Honesty! bend not thy steps this way,Caution must scrutinize thy pale, wan face,On every guileless feature stamp disgrace, And shuddering at thy guilt turn quick away.
descriptionPage 129
Oh, Want! thou breathing image of cold death!By all forsaken, and by all forgot,And in a loathsome jail condemn'd to rot;Avaunt thee!for contagion taints thy breath.
Oh! Industry! made misery to endure,Steeping thy hard‐earn'd crust in liquid woe;Contempt and Scorn shall heavier give the blow,Thou must be indolentfor thou art poor.
If sad Experience e'er should steel my breast,Show me mankind, ungen'rous, cruel base,Ingratitude, the vice of all the race;Then, Prudence! then I'll hail thee for my guest!
email
Do you have questions about this content? Need to report a problem?
Please contact us.