Ann Plato

Advice to Young Ladies

Day after day I sit and write,
And thus the moments spend--
The thought that occupies my mind,--
Compose to please my friend.

And then I think I will compose,
And thus myself engage--
To try to please young ladies minds,
Which are about my age.

The greatest word that I can say,--
I think to please, will be,
To try and get your learning young,
And write it back to me.

But this is not the only thing
That I can recommend;
Religion is most needful for
To make in us a friend.

At thirteen years I found a hope,
And did embrace the Lord;
And since, I've found a blessing great,
Within his holy word.

Perchance that we may ne'er fulfill,
The place of aged sires,
But may it with God's holy will,
Be ever our desires.