Classic Poem

Too well already lovely Maid, I know
What solid Pleasures from your Friendship flow,
Too plain I feel its Worth, to think it Cost.
Tho' to obtain it I my Garland lost:
With perfect Freedom ev'ry Spring I'd spare
To gain my Friend nor think the Purchase dear
But how mistaken was I to suppose
My with'ring Bays cou'd e'er adorn your Brows
Absurd! to think thus to improve your Crown
While you've more verdant Laurels of your own
The blooming Wreath the tunefull Sisters twine
For you, Bright Maid, wou'd be disgrac'd by mine
Well might you've scorn'd an offer'd gift so mean
And thrown it from you with a high Disdain
Or take it else with this Intent alone
That like a Foil it might set off your own;
— But Kindness only Kindness comes from You
If you refus'd, 'twas with a gen'rous view
Or if accepted out of Friendship too
With undissembled Sorrow in my Turn
The lovelier Sex's cruel Fate I mourn;
These oft have been the Wishes of my Heart
" O that the Fair with us might bear a Part
And taste the Sweets of each delightfull Art!
For why alas! why should a female Mind
To low domestic Learning be confin'd? —
— But tho' it falls not to the Ladies Share
To be the Muses & Apollo's Care
And breath with us the pure Parnassian Air
To soar to Helicon with daring Wings
And taste the Nectar of Castalian Springs;
Yet if they'd leave the Trifles of the Age
And spend their Time o'er some improving Page,
Like You they'd shine, like you they'd sweetly reign
O'er Manly Hearts like You they'd entertain
When Beauty only strove to please in vain