Poems on Several Occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

Cupid , survey thy Shining Train around
Of Fav'rite Nymphs, for Conquest most renown'd;
The Lovely Warriors that in bright Array
Thy Pow'r support, and propagate thy Sway.
Then say what Beauteous Gen'ral wilt thou choose,
To lead the Fair Brigade against thy Rebel Foes?

Behold the God advance in Comely Pride,
Arm'd with his Bow, his Quiver by his Side.
Inferior Cupids on their Master wait;
He smiles well-pleas'd, and waves his Wings in State.
His little Hands imperial Trophies bear,
And Laurel-Wreaths to grace th'elected Fair.

Hide-Park the Scene for the Review he nam'd,
Hide-Park for Pleasure and for Beauty fam'd.
Where, oft from Western Skies the God of Light
Sees new-arising Suns, than his more bright;
Then sets in Blushes, and conveys his Fire
To distant Lands, that more his Beams require.

And now the Charming Candidates appear.
Behold Britannia's Victor-Graces there,
Who vindicate their Country's ancient Claim
To Love's Preeminence, and Beauty's Fame.

Some, who, at ANNA's Court, in Honour rais'd,
Adorn Birth-Nights, by Crowding Nations prais'd;
Preserv'd in Kneller's Pictures ever young,
In Strains immortal by the Muses sung.

Around the Ring th'Illustrious Rivals move,
And teach to Love Himself the Pow'r of Love.
Scarce, tho' a God, he can with Safety gaze
On Glory so profuse, such mingled Rays;
For Love had Eyes on this important Day,
And Venus from his Forehead took the blinding Cloth away.

Here Mira pass'd, and fix'd his wond'ring View,
Her perfect Shape distinguish'd Praises drew;
Tall, Beauteous, and Majestick to the Sight,
She led the Train, and sparkled in the Light.

There Stella claims the Wreath, and pleads her Eyes,
By which each Day some new Adorer dies.

Serena, by Good-humour doubly Fair,
With Native Sweetness charms, and Smiling Air.
While Flora's youthful Years and Looks display
The Bloom of rip'ning Fruits, the Innocence of May,
The op'ning Sweets that Months of Pleasure bring,
The Dawn of Love, and Life's indulgent Spring.

'Twere endless to describe the various Darts,
With which the Fair are arm'd to conquer Hearts.
Whatever can the ravish'd Soul inspire
With tender Thoughts and animate Desire,

All Arts and Virtues mingled in the Train;
And long the Lovely Rivals strove in vain,
While Cupid unresolv'd still search'd around the Plain.
O! cou'd I find, said Love, the Phœnix She,
In whom at once these sev'ral Charms agree;
That Phœnix She the Laurel Crown shou'd have,
And Love Himself with Pride become her Slave.

He scarce had spoke, when see—HARMONIA came!
Chance brought Her there, and not Desire of Fame,
Unknowing of the Choice, till She beheld
The God approach to crown Her in the Field.
Th'unwilling Maid, with wondrous Modesty,
Disclaim'd her Right, and put the Laurel by:
Warm Blushes on her tender Cheeks arise,
And double Softness beautify'd her Eyes.

At this, more charm'd, the rather I bestow,
Said Love, these Honours You in vain forego;
Take then the Wreath, which You, Victorious Fair,
Have most deserv'd, yet least affect to wear.