LYRIC ADDRESS TO DR. JENNER.
[Vaccine Inoculation.—Distress and Terrors of the Small Pox.—Dangers of Delay.]
1
Rejoice, rejoice, Humanity!
The fell, destructive, sore Disease,
The pest of ages, now can be,
Repell'd with safety and with ease.
2
He well deserves his Country's Meed,
By whom the peerless blessing came;
And thousands from destruction freed,
Shall raptur'd speak of JENNER'S name.
3
Yes, JENNER'S vigilance is crown'd;
A sovereign antidote is given:
The Blessing flows the Nations round;
Free he diffus'd the gift of Heaven.
4
So well approv'd it's sure effect,
To turn aside the' impending harm;
And shall parental Love neglect
To minister the precious balm?
5
Oh! no; beware of dire Delay,
Ye, who caress your Infants dear:
Defer it not from day to day,
From month to month, from year to year:
6
Lest you, like me, too late lament,
Your Life bereft of all it's joy;
Clasp now the Gift so kindly sent,
Lest you behold your dying Boy!
7
Lest you see with trembling Fear,
With inexpressible Distress;
The purple spots of Death appear,
To blast your Hopes and Happiness:
8
Lest your keenest grief to wake,
Like mine your suffering prattler say,
'Go, bid my Father come and take
'These frightful Spots and Sores away.'
9
Quickly from such fears be free:
Oh! there is Danger in Delay!
Say not to-morrow it shall be: ...
To-morrow! no; to-day, to-day.
10
Embrace the Blessing Heaven hath sent;
So shall you ne'er such pangs endure:
Oh! give a Trifle to prevent,
What you would give a World to cure.