n fair proportion see the letters stand A beauteous equal and impressive band With eye of care we must their structure raise A point too much the hand unskilled betrays A thread misplaced their symmetry despoils And the fond hope of excellence beguiles So my sweet girl the path of life survey And tread with caution o’er devious way An erring step would blast thy budding fame And with dishonor stamp my Mary’s name From rules of virtue shouldst thou careless stray Nor sighs nor tears can e’er the forfeit pay For female reputation wounded dies No blest Panaceas this wide world supplies.