Classic Poem

To Her Grace the Dutchess of Portland, with the Foregoing Lines

'Tis theirs, who but to please aspire,
On Fiction to employ the Lyre;
Make Gods and Goddesses display
The splendor of the Nuptial Day.

To paint thee at the hallow'd Shrine,
A solemn, glorious Scene! be Mine;
Now lightly touch'd — Some other Hour,
(If e'er the Cloud-dispelling Pow'r
Remove the Damps, that chill my Vein)
I'll trace the slight-drawn Lines again;
Warm col'ring on the Piece bestow,
Till Life shall from the Pencil flow.

Lovely Bride! with Bliss be crown'd,
Diffusing Happiness around:
Beneficent, like HARLEY, shine;
Like HENRIETTA, grace your Line.English