Address to John Beard, Esq.

THE Tale, from thee receiv'd, to thee I send,
With all the warmest wishes of a friend,
That thro' life's stream thy private skiff may sail
With easy current, and with quiet gale.
Now calmly moor'd where beauteous Hampton sees
Thames' silver current dimpling with the breeze;
(Where genuine GARRICK, in his fair retreat,
To our lov'd Bard erects the hallow'd seat,)
O! ne'er may Sorrow's envious cloud annoy
Thy private comfort, or convivial joy:
But soft content protect thy chosen haunt,
Till thou no more can'st wish, or Time no more can grant!