The Minor Poems of Joseph Beaumont ... Edited from the autograph manuscript with introduction and notes by Eloise Robinson |
Virtue
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The Minor Poems of Joseph Beaumont | ||
426
Virtue
May 31.
1
Virtue! why first she brings not inSuch gains, as gallant Sin.
Has not his squeamish conscience quite
Beggerd your Loyal Wight?
Whilst the brave Rebell reigns upon
Your royal Martyrs throne.
2
And then, she's not gentile. pray shewMe in the list of new
Sheer Fashions so much as but
The name of Virtue put.
And must we plod in the plain rode
Of our stale Grandsires Mode?
3
Besides, She's baseborn, & belowA Gentleman: for how
Can she pretend to Gallantry
Who cannot be, yf high?
What Exc'llance can in her be seen,
Whose essence is the Mean?
427
4
Lastly, wherever she doth comeShe's viley troublesome;
Putting her deerest Friends to great
Expence of pains & sweat.
Troth let her go for me: a guest
Like her, when gone is best.
5
Thus dreams the Fool what pleases him,And thus talks in his dream.
And let him talk: deer Virtue, he
By blaming praiseth thee.
Wise eyes would strait suspect thy rays
Should Fools thy Lustre praise.
The Minor Poems of Joseph Beaumont | ||