WRITTEN AT THE
GARDEN-SEAT
of a
FEMALE ACADEMY,
IN WHICH WERE PLACED
The Busts of
Homer, Virgil, Horace, Milton
, and
Pope.
Howe'er the Greek, or Mantuan bard,
May to a classic taste be dear;
Or epic Milton meet regard,
Or Horace gay, or Pope severe.
Yet sure where female charms inspire,
Ovid should grace the proud alcove:
And soft Tibullus hold the lyre,
And softer Hammond ‘sing of love.’
But if Athenia this denies,
(Preceptress of the vestal train)
Lest beauty should her pow'r despise,
Or reason yield to passion's reign:
Awed by a judgment so profound,
Let male to female right submit:
While those fair heroines here are crown'd
Who scorn all salique laws of wit.
Here be the Muse-rapt Seward seen,
And give the polish'd Barbauld place,
With Attic Carter's sober mien,
And tender Mulso's moral grace:
With sprightly Cowley, pensive Lee,
Here let Uranian Trimmer soar;
And with the smiles of Sillery,
Trace the mild form of virtuous More.
These might to emulation guide,
Did they this votive region fill;
For let our Cowper but preside,
'Twould match old Hesiod's Grecian hill.
