Classic Poem

What could Luxurious Woman wish for more
To fix her Joys, or to extend her Power?
Their every Wish was in this Mary seen,
Gay, Witty, Youthful, Beauteous and a Queen!
Vain useless Blessings with ill Conduct joyn'd!
Light as the Air, and Fleeting as the Wind.
What ever Poets write, or Lovers vow;
Beauty, what poor Omnipotence hast thou!
Queen Bess had Wisdom, Councel, Power, and Laws;
How few espous'd a Wretched Beauty's Cause!
Learn hence, ye Fair, more solid charms to prize,
Contemn the Idle Flatterers of your Eyes.
The brightest Object shines but while 'tis new,
That Influence lessens by Familiar View.
Monarchs and Beauties rule with equal sway,
All strive to serve, and glory to Obey;
Alike unpity'd when depos'd they grow,
Men mock the Idol of their former Vow.
Two great Examples have been shewn to Day:
To what sure Ruin, Passion does betray,
What long Repentance to short Joys is due;
When Reason rules what Glory does ensue.
If you will Love, love like Eliza then,
Love for Amusement like those Traitors, Men.
Think that the Pastime of a Leisure Hour
She favour'd oft—but never shar'd her Power.
The Traveller by Desart Wolves persu'd,
If by his Art the savage Foe's subdu'd,
The World will still the noble Act applaud,
Tho' Victory was gain'd by needfull Fraud.
Such is (my tender Sex) our helpless Case
And such the barbarous Heart, hid by the begging Face.
By Passion fir'd, and not with held by Shame,
They cruel Hunters are, we trembling Game.
Trust me, Dear Ladys (for I know 'em well),
They burn to Triumph, and they sigh—to tell.
Cruel to them that Yeild, Cullys to them that sell.
Beleive me tis by far the wiser Course,
Superior Art should meet superior force.
Hear; but be faithfull to your Interest still,
Secure your Hearts, then Fool with who you will.