Introduction to The Advantages of Repentance

O Mem'ry! in thy magic glass
What various scenes and objects pass!
Retentive maid! thine is the power
To brighten, or o'ercast the hour.
To me, sweet nymph, extend thine aid,
And, in thy brightest hues pourtray'd,
To give my sense supreme delight,
Restore AMANDA to my sight!
Her polish'd mien, complexion fair,
The glossy ringlets of her hair,
Her easy gesture, lively air;
Th' expressive brow, the azure eye,
With all its glancing witchery,
And nameless sweets, that seem'd to steep
In roseate dew her ruby lip!

Thanks, Goddess, thanks! she greets my sight,
With all the fullness of delight;
And, through thy aid, while thus I trace
Each charm of that alluring face,
Her converse sweet again I hear,
Her judgment strong, conception clear;
Her turn for raillery and wit
Impressive, elegant, and neat.

Such was she, when her partial praise
With smiles approv'd these early lays;
Now, tho' that flatt'ring praise be o'er,
Those cheering smiles exist no more,
Shall I a second sanction chuse
To shield a cold, forgetful Muse?
No—be the page as first design'd,
The tribute of a grateful mind,
To her and Friendship still consign'd!