 | The Genuine Works in Verse and Prose, Of the Right Honourable George Granville, Lord Lansdowne |  |
To MIRA.
[Nature indulgent, provident and kind]
Nature indulgent, provident and kind,
In all things that excel, some Use design'd;
The radiant Sun, of every heavenly Light
The first (did Mira not dispute that Right)
Sends from above ten thousand Blessings down;
Nor is he set so high for Show alone,
His Beams reviving with auspicious Fire,
Freely we all enjoy what all admire:
The Moon and Stars, those faithful Guides of Night,
Are plac'd to help, not entertain the Sight:
Plants, Fruits, and Flow'rs the fertile Fields produce,
Not for vain Ornament, but wholesome Use;
Health they restore, and Nourishment they give,
We see with Pleasure, but we taste to live.
In all things that excel, some Use design'd;
The radiant Sun, of every heavenly Light
The first (did Mira not dispute that Right)
Sends from above ten thousand Blessings down;
Nor is he set so high for Show alone,
His Beams reviving with auspicious Fire,
Freely we all enjoy what all admire:
The Moon and Stars, those faithful Guides of Night,
Are plac'd to help, not entertain the Sight:
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Not for vain Ornament, but wholesome Use;
Health they restore, and Nourishment they give,
We see with Pleasure, but we taste to live.
Then think not, Mira, that thy Form was meant
More to create Desire, than to content;
Would the just Gods so many Charms provide
Only to gratify a Mortal's Pride?
Would they have form'd thee so above thy Sex,
Only to play the Tyrant, and to vex?
'Tis impious Pleasure to delight in Harm,
And Beauty should be kind, as well as charm.
More to create Desire, than to content;
Would the just Gods so many Charms provide
Only to gratify a Mortal's Pride?
Would they have form'd thee so above thy Sex,
Only to play the Tyrant, and to vex?
'Tis impious Pleasure to delight in Harm,
And Beauty should be kind, as well as charm.
| The Genuine Works in Verse and Prose, Of the Right Honourable George Granville, Lord Lansdowne | |