Classic Poem

Ilustrious Nymph! whose pow'rful Art
Attracts the Sight, yet wounds the Heart,
Permit a Stranger Muse to raise
A Trophy, form'd of Love, and Praise:
For who such various Charms can see,
And not their just Admirer be?
Or who can silently admire
The pleasing Object of Desire?
Whether with curious Eyes we trace
The shining Beauties of your Face;
Or in a freer Converse sit,
Blest with the Sweetness of your Wit;
Such Graces are in both descry'd,
We to their Force submit with Pride,
And can't forbear to speak your Due;
Tho' we could almost envy too.

But Oh! when in your artful Hand,
The sprightly Pencil you command;
What crouding Miracles arise,
And seize us with unknown Surprize?
Kneller's bold Strokes, Le Brun's Design,
With Casabon's soft Touches join;
And feast us with a new Delight,
Whilst you their several Charms unite:
And with inimitable Grace,
Reveal the Passioris thro' the Face.
The speaking Eyes such Lustre dart;
Such Symmetry's in every Part;
That were Pigmalion here, he'd own
His Workmanship by yours outdone:
For when with Pleasure he survey'd
The Beauties of his lv'ry Maid,
He mourn'd, Alas! his Want of Art
A lively Motion to impart.
But you, such quickning Strokes improve,
Each Figure seems to live, and move,
And with it's Looks our Steps pursue,
While as we turn for better View,
They smiling seem, to change their Posture too.
The Scepticks here have just Pretence
To doubt the Certainty of Sense,
Which at a Distance, scarce can tell
The Copy, from th' Original:
But let them cease their dubious Strise,
Your Works in this exceed the Life:
For when th' Original appears
Quite alter'd, with the Weight of Years,
No faint Remains of Beauty seen,
Your Draughts, will shew, what once they've been.

Proceed bright Nymph, and may impartial Fame,
Thro' Earths vast Round, perpetuate thy Name!
May no sad Thoughts thy studious Soul molest!
Nor household Cares, disturb thy peaceful Breast;
But Providence upon thy Labours smile,
Thou lasting Glory of our Sex and Isle!