Classic Poem

Sillia with uncontested sway
Like Rome's fam'd tyrant reigns,
Beholds adoring crowds obey,
And heroes proud to wear her chains,
Yet stoops, like him, to ev'ry prize,
Busy to murder beaux and flies.
She aims at ev'ry trifling heart,
Attends each flatterer's vows,
And, like a picture drawn with art,
A look on all that gaze bestows.
O! may the power who lovers rules
Grant rather scorn than hope with fools!

Mistaken nymph! the crowds that gaze
Adore thee into shame;
Unguarded beauty is disgrace,
And coxcombs when they praise defame.
O! fly such brutes in human shapes,
Nor like th' Egyptians worship apes!