Valentine To RR Written Extempore Feb. 14 1802

Custom, whose laws we all allow,

And bow before his shrine,

Has so ordained, my friend, that you

Are now my Valentine.

Ah, could my humble Muse aspire

To catch the flame divine!

These are the gifts that I’d require

For thee, my Valentine!

May virtue o’er thy steps preside

And in thy conduct shine;

May truth and wisdom ever guide

And guard my Valentine.

May piety, seraphic maid,

Her influence divine

Shed on thy head, and ever lead,

And bless my Valentine.

Life’s dangerous paths safe may’st thou tread,

Shielded by Grace divine;

And when these artless lines are read,

Think on my Valentine!