That every rich and lordly fwain 235 240 245 She shakes her helm, fhe knits her brows, And, fir'd with indignation, vows, To-morrow, ere the fetting fun, She'd all undo that fhe had done. But in the poets we may find 255 A wholesome law, time out of mind, That gods, of whatfoe'er degree, 260 Or any brother-god in heaven; Which keeps the peace among the gods, To what her treacherous foe expects. 265 270 275 280 The Queen of Love, whom thus fhe greets 285 (For gods, we are by Homer told, Can in celeftial language fcold): Perfidious goddess! but in vain You form'd this project in your brain; A project for thy talents fit, With much deceit and little wit. 290 Thou haft, as thou fhalt quickly fee, And yet She 'll prove the greatest of thy foes; 300 Well knowing, from the books fhe read, To know the converfe of mankind. First iffued from perfumers' fhops, A croud of fashionable fops :: They afk'd her, how the lik'd the play; 310 315 3-20 Mention'd Then, in foft voice and fpeech abfurd, 325 When they grew pert, to pull them down. At laft fhe fpitefully was bent To try their wisdom's full extent; And faid, the valued nothing lefs 340 Than titles, figure, fhape, and drefs; That merit fhould be chiefly plac'd In judgement, knowledge, wit, and tafte; She nam'd the ancient heroes round, 350 Then Then fpoke with cenfure or applaufe Of foreign customs, rites, and laws; Through nature and through art she rang'd, 355 In vain her hearers had no fhare In all she spoke, except to ftare. Their judgement was, upon the whole, 360 As who fhould fay-She wants it here! She may be handsome, young, and rich, But none will burn her for a witch! A party next of glittering dames, From round the purlieus of St. James, 365 Came early, out of pure good-will, To fee the girl in difhabille. Their clamour, 'lighting from their chairs, 3.70 At entrance loudeft, where they found And fell into their usual chat, 375 On ribbons, fans, and gloves, and lace; 380 |