Florello lately cast on this rude coast
A helpless infant; now a heedless child;
To poor Clarissa’s throes, thy care succeeds;
Care full of love, and yet severe as hate!
O’er thy soul’s joy how oft thy fondness frowns!
Needful austerities his will restrain; 250
As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm.
As yet, his reason cannot go alone;
But asks a sterner nurse to lead it on.
His little heart is often terrified;