Classic Poem

Tho ' lovely Stella's pleasing features show
Nor Phydian symmetry, nor Titian glow,
Yet Mind imparts, their transient charms to foil,
Life to her glance, and magic to her smile.

When serious tender, and when gay serene,
Consummate elegance in all her mien,
To her the youth from vaunted beauty flies,
And for the Graces, in their favourite, sighs,
They, in the very ribbons that o'ershade
Her lively brows, her auburn tresses braid,
Infuse, with playful spirit, all their own,
The power resistless of the Cyprian zone.

Her dress, her air, her accent to attain,
See emulative fair-ones strive in vain!
While sires and matrons in attention vie,
And watch the rising archness in her eye.
E'en envious maids, in life's deserted wane,
Look half as pleased as if beloved again;
Lose, as they listen, all their sullen cares,
Remit their scandal, and neglect their prayers.
Round the grave Scholiast as her spirit plays,
Behold him chace it thro' its brilliant maze,
And, sexual pride subdued, at length disown
The Salique Law for Wit and Fancy's throne!