Classic Poem

FRANCE .

Pet of a reign unequaled in its splendor,
Supremely beautiful and debonair,
Rich as a Craesus, witty as Voltaire,
Whose heart before thy grace would not surrender.

Thy haughty court-dames elegantly slender,
Flowers of Versailles, visions of radiance fair,
Were proud to brook thy insolence, and share
The sweet enchantments of thy glances tender.

Of crime or treachery holding no alarms,
Through that grand epoch, pale with love's excesses,
I see thee pass with fascinating charms,
Receiving ever honors and caresses,
From august Louis, or the enamoured arms
Of pert soubrettes and powdered marchionesses.