Classic Poem

Elegy on Seduction .

Like some sweet rose, by blighting winds assail'd,
Unhappy Nancy's living beauties fade;
Her treach'rous lover o'er her heart prevail'd —
His wiles her virgin innocence betray'd.

Retir'd she sits, absorb'd in speechless woe,
Whilst lucid tears o'erflow her beauteous eyes;
Down her pale cheeks the drops of sorrow flow,
On her fair bosom, swell'd with Mis'ry's sighs.

Alas, how chang'd! the artless smile of Joy
Diffus'd its glories o'er her charming face;
Her tuneful voice was melting melody,
And o'er her frame play'd Elegance and Grace.

In meek contentment pass'd her tranquil days,
And Modesty her gentle bosom sway'd,
When first she heard her selfish lover's praise,
And felt soft Passion's pow'r her mind invade.

Then Love's seducing voice, with soothing art,
Charm'd the sweet girl o'er Pleasure's flow'ry way;
But now, dishonour'd and despis'd, her heart,
'Mid Sorrow's darkness, finds no chearing ray.

Ah! why so credulous, ye lovely sex?
Why will ye graceless libertines approve?
Ev'n join'd in wedlock, they your hearts shall vex:
Those sensualists are too deprav'd to love.

By this criterion prove the man sincere —
Unblemish'd candour dignifies his mind:
True love is modest — artless — prone to fear;
Affected love — bold — witty — and refin'd.