Classic Poem

How dull the age when ladies must express —
Each darling wish in emblematic dress —
See how the wheels in various colours roll
Speaking the wish of every female soul
Oh let a windmill decorate the hair
A windmill proper emblemn of the fair
As every blast of wind impells the vane
So every blast of folly whirls their brain. —

Answered by a young Lady of sixteen

Forbear unkind ungenerous muse forbear
To brand with folly the whole race of fair
Thousands whose minds each manly grace improve
Soften'd by smiles by elegance and love
Might well in spite of satires keenest hate
Redeem them from an undistinguish'd fate. —
Sure all the poets laurels now must fade
Or some dread blight must blast the cyprian shade
Or jaundic'd eye must tinge each verdant scene
That we fall victims to the scribbling vein. —
But what the fabl'd Lion said is true
And if apply'd May serve for us and you
Were we but writers we'd reform the age
And make your queus adorn some Ingling page
For metaphors a bubble should suffice
Whose consequence the softest breath destroys
— Oh then behave like men offend no more
Cherish our virtues, and our faults pass o'er
Rous'd be your talents in your countries cause
Fight for her intrests liberty and laws
And let the sex whom nature made your care
Claim you as gaurds to banish all their fear