HOWEL.

Most precious leaves the mail delights to bring,

All loving parcels, neatly squared and sealed;

Her buoyant fancy trims its glossy wing,

And flits courageous o’ er Love’ s flowery field.

Sure’ tis a tender and a sparkling flame

That letters kindle and do sweetly feed;

Wilt fly, schoolmaster, for such noble game?

Maiden that doth all other maids exceed!

She writes with passion, and a nimble wit,

Void of all pedantry and vain pretence,

With native genius forcible and fit,

A flowing humor and surpassing sense:

Who gains her heart will win a precious prize,

And fortunate be in every lover’ s eyes.