That the writers of the period also did much to form the boy’s style will appear from his first poem, “On the Genius of Poetry,” which bears date May 1771.[52] It seems to be the joint product of Harriet and William Pitt:
Ye sacred Imps of thund’ring Jove descend,
Immortal Nine, to me propitious, bend
Inclining downward from Parnassus’ brow;
To me, young Bard, some Heav’nly fire allow.
From Aganippe’s murmur strait repair,
Assist my labours and attend my pray’r.
Inspire my verse. Of Poetry it sings.
Thro’ Her, the deeds of Heroes and of Kings
Renown’d in arms, with fame immortal stand.