That I am urged those Motives to explain
Which safe Experience bids the Sex retain.
What would my Friend? hast thou a Right to see
The Heart’s fond folly, scarcely known to me?
Say, is it friendly, is it kind to trace }
The tender failings of an erring race, }
In whom the faintest Speck is held Disgrace? }
’Tis true I cannot with thy wish comply;
But is it right that I should tell thee why,
And to thy harder Sex make failings known 80