THE WORLD[16]. INTENDED AS AN APOLOGY FOR NOT WRITING. BY A LADY.

Wide Habitation of the Sons of Men, Wherein the seeds of vice and virtue lie Mix’d, like the undigested Elements Ere Chaos lost his kingdom; where blind Chance With Passion holds divided anarchy; O! who can rightly scan thee, or describe? Subject ill suited to a Virgin’s Muse, That cannot praise, and is to blame untaught: Wherefore from this unprofitable theme She turns, leaving unsung its argument; Save that with careless hand her lute she strikes Lightly, nor hoping that the myrtle wreath Shall crown her unpremeditated lay.