Classic Poem

ON HER TAKING SOMETHING ILL THE AUTHOR SAID .

Why hangs that cloud upon thy brow?
That beauteous heav'n, ere-while serene?
Whence do these storms and tempests blow,
Or what this gust of passion mean?
And must then mankind lose that light
Which in thine eyes was wont to shine,
And lie obscur'd in endless night,
For each poor silly speech of mine?

Dear child, how could I wrong thy name?
Thy form so fair, and faultless stands,
That could ill tongues abuse thy fame,
Thy beauty could make large amends:
Or if I durst profanely try
Thy beauty's powerful charnis to upbraid,
Thy virtue well might give the lie,
Nor call thy beauty to its aid.

For Venus, every heart to' ensnare,
With all her charms has deck'd thy face,
And Pallas, with unusual care,
Bids wisdom heighten every grace.
Who can the double pain endure?
Or who must not resign the field
To thee, celestial maid, secure
With Cupid's bow and Pallas' shield?

If then to thee such pow'r is given,
Let not a wretch in torment live,
But smile, and learn to copy Heaven;
Since we must sin ere it forgive.
Yet pitying Heaven not only does
Forgive the' offender, and the' offence,
But ev'n itself appeas'd bestows,
As the reward of penitence.