Page:The works of Anne Bradstreet in prose and verse.djvu/133

 For my deare fonne Simon Bradftreet.

���ARENTS perpetuate their Hues in their pofterity, and their mailers in their imita- tion. Children do natureally rather fol- low the failino^s then the vertues of their predecellbrs, but I am perfwaded better things of you. You once defired me to leaue fomething for you in writeing that you might look vpon when 3^ou fliould fee me no more. I could think of nothing more fit for you, nor of more eafe to my felf, then thefe fhort meditations following. Such as they are I be- queath to you: fmall legacys are accepted by true friends, much more b}^ duty full children. I haue avoyded incroaching upon others conceptions, becaufe I would leaue you nothing but myne owne, though in value they fall fliort of all in this kinde, yet I prefume they will be better prif'd by you for the Authors fake, the Lord blelfe you with grace heer, and crown you with glory heerafter, that I may meet you with re- joyceing at that great day of appearing, which is the continuall prayer, of

your aftedlionate mother, March 20, 1664. A. B.

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