Classic Poem

XV

But what at Sacred Juno' s feet
Shall the Adoring Nymphs present?
Juno charming, chast and sweet ,
The refuge of the Innocent:
The business of our pious Theames ,
Our waking Bliss, our joy in Dreams;
The President of Vertuous Wives ,
The bright example of the fair ,
Whence Virgins learn their modest lives;
And Saints their pure Devotion there:
And all the Goddesses of less degree
Take a peculiar Majesty.
The humble softness of a mortal mind ,
(Where all the Graces are confin'd)
With every Grandure of a Deity!
The noblest Songs from You their Beauties take ,
Divinely you restore our fainting skill ,
Inspire the chast and flowing quill ,
Teach Poets how to sing! and Angels how to speak!
Oh what to Juno shall we pay
On this Her solemn Holy day!