Ah! faintly Fancy pictures to my view Th' accustom'd grove where Lofft is wont to spend The pensive hour, accomplishing some end, That may the lowly peasant's joys renew; And much I wish to pay the tribute due To him, whose precepts gen'rous deeds commend; The Muse's patron, and the Poet's friend, The poor man's guardian from Oppression's crew. Accept then, Lofft! the tributary lay, From one untutor'd in scholastic lore; Whose humble aim, to gain the right pathway, That leads to Learning's truly valu'd store; May hope in thee to find the genial ray Of approbation, gleam till life is o'er.
