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Prologue
To an exhibition of the pupils of the Coffin School.
written and worked by Miss Sarah C. Bunker

When science first in western worlds appeared
And in this wilderness her temple reared
She taught Columbia's sons that they were free
Her country's first best wealth was liberty
When struggling with oppression from her foes
To guard her cause great Washington arose
His noble deeds inspired each patriot soul
Enlightened freemen could not brook controul [control]
They humphed and in this our happy Land
Science and liberty join hand in hand
Her influence doubt and darkness can dispel
Explain the past the coming time foretell
The latent germs of Genius come to light
Which but for had slept in endless night.
If research and inquiry unconfined
Tend to enlighten and improve mankind
If education does to freedom lead
Or Superstitious dreary march impede
Then he* whose bounty here itself displays
Deserves our warmest thanks our highest praise
This bright Example worthy of his name
To future ages shall his worth proclaim
The Goddess Cleo shall herself enroll his [?]
Her hallowed name on her undying scroll
So make instruction with amusement
Others to please our chief [?] and end
We claim no merit in dramatic art
No tragic excellence to move the heart
Yes if our feeble efforts but amuse
Your kind attention you will not refuse
*Admiral Coffin