University of Virginia Library

To CHLOE.

I

Cease, jealous Charmer, cease to grieve,
Nor think I e'er will prove untrue;
My Passion with my Self shall live;
For Who could be unjust to You?

II

Did I your Form alone admire,
(That Form so far beyond Compare)
Corroding Time would kill desire:
How short's the empire of the Fair!

III

By Time subdu'd will be those Eyes
Which now ten thousand Loves adorn;
Like feeble suns in wint'ry skies,
Of all their beamy splendor shorn.

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IV

As Nectar sweet, as Roses red,
Those Lips must lose their beauteous hue;
Those flowing Locks forsake thy head,
Or fade unpleasing to the View.

V

When Beauty's transient Hour is past,
And thou no more canst charm the Eye,
Thy Humour and thy Wit shall last:
The Mind's Perfections never die.

VI

Then, Chloe, leave thy flatt'ring Glass,
And scorn the Coxcomb's fulsome tale;
Thy Face but for a Time will pass,
Thy Virtues ever will prevail.