.Nw.MTA2MQ

[nb: cut off sections pulled from an alternate, published copy] Part of an authentic copy of verses found in a wretched garret in Glasgow after the decease of a young female of superior connexions and Education, who became the victim of disease extreme poverty & wretchedness: --- When pamper'd, starv'd abandon'd, or in drink My thoughts were rack'd in striving not to think; Nor could rejected conscience claim the power [T' imp]rove the respite of one serious hour [I] durst not look to what I was before, My [crossed out: sold] soul shrunk back, &wishd to be no more. [Of] eye undaunted and of touch impure [O]ld e're of age worn out when scarce mature; [D]aily debas'd to stifle my disgust [Of] force'd enjoyment in affected lust [Co]ver'd with quilt, infection, debt and want [M]y home to a brothel, and the streets my haunt, [Ti]ll, the full course of sin and vice gone through, [My] shatter'd fabrick fail'd at twenty two. [T]hen Death with evry horror in his train, [H]ere clos'd the scene of nought but guilt and pain. [Ye] fair associate of my op'ning bloom, [Oh!] come and weep and profit, at my tomb; [T]hen shun the path where gay delusions shine [B]e, yours the Lesson - sad experience mine.