Classic Poem

It is a pleasing direful sight!
At once you charm us and affright!
So heaven destroying angels arms
With terror dreadful in their charms!

Such, such was Cleopatra's air,
Lovely, but formidably fair!
When the griev'd world impoverish'd lost
By the dire asp its noblest boast.

Aw'd by your guardian's dang'rous pow'r,
At distance trembling we adore;
At distance once again behold
A serpent guard the blooming gold.

Well pleas'd and harmless, lo! he lies,
Basks in the sunshine of your eyes;
Now twists his spires, and now unfurls
The gay confusion of his curls.

Oh! happy on your breast to lie,
As that bright star that gilds the sky,
Who ceasing in the spheres to shine,
Would for your breast his heaven resign.

Yet oh! fair virgin! caution take
Lest some bold cheat assume the snake.
When Jove comprest the Grecian dame
Aloof he threw the lightning's flame;
On radiant spires the lover rode,
And in the snake conceal'd the god.