Classic Poem

Venus , d'ye say? For beauty not unlike.
But where's, my friend! the wish-inspiring glance?
The ambiguous aspect, lure and rack of love?
Pale, flushing languish? Or the scornful frown,
Ending repentant in a luscious smile?

No. Virtue inspiriting that noble form
Than Venus ever boasted more divine
Sure has on earth descended to reveal
Herself. How lovely! Made thus visible!
That shape how just! In that complection, fair
As innocence unspotted, sweetly glow
The mingled delicacies. In her eye
Sparkles her soul. Her features and her mien
High dignity yet goodness more express;
All-beautifying and immortal grace.
And in her gesture each new attitude
Borrowing from her Guardian-Angel's Form
Still some new charm, as Iris from the Sun
The varying beauties of the light, reflects.
In crouded theatre by all admir'd,
With eyes untwinkling as in rapture fix'd,
Unconscious and compos'd she looks around:
Or on her Lord, or their Joint Image smiles,
Fair fruit and blessing of connubial love.

Such, Holy Matrimony! are thy joys!
Ye blooming Fair! like her, you too admire,
Beauty and Virtue ever think the same.
One with your love, all with your goodness bless:
And bloom immortal in a lovely Race.