An Address to a Wealthy Libertine or, the Melancholy Effects of Seduction; with a Letter from an Unfortunate Farmer's Daughter, to her Parents in Norfolk

"An Address to a Wealthy Libertine" by James Parkerson is a poem delivering a strong warning about the destructive power of seduction and the selfish behavior of those who take advantage of others. The poem shines a light on the tragedy of a young farmer's daughter named Maria, whose life is shattered by a wealthy man's deceitful actions. Parkerson uses vivid language to illustrate the suffering caused by these immoral choices, exposing the emotional and societal price paid by both the seduced and the seducer; Maria’s heartfelt letter allows the reader to see her true regret and a deep longing for forgiveness, ultimately reminding everyone of the weight of their moral duties within society.