University of Virginia Library

LETTER VIII. TO MIRANDA: ON A VIEW OF HER Wax-Work.

Madam,

To the same Matter Nature's Skill
Imparts what Shapes so e'er it will,
And Love, who Jove transform'd, can make
Us Mortals various Figures take.
By a like Pow'r, Miranda, you
In Wax can several Forms renew.
In this with Nature you agree:
From Chaos you, as well as she,
A perfect Beauty can create,
And make the Graces on you wait.
But first, like Love, with gentle Heat
You make it for Impression fit.
Prometheus' Art yo' already share;
Your Wax does Human Figures wear:
But if, like him, you think to give
Your Images the Pow'r to live:
You needn't steal your Fire above,
I'll furnish you with that of Love.