 | Stones from The Quarry |  |
PLATFORM WOMEN.
O Woman! half-unsexed when loud and bold,Mooting, on Modesty's o'er-balanced edge,
“Questions” most epicœne—the quickset hedge
Of nice regard disposed full cheap to hold;
'Twill prick thee, tho' the safeguard of the fold
To those within, great Nature's solemn pledge,
Thy sex's ægis and high privilege,
The very Cestus of thy manifold
And blushing graces! Oh, thy smile, sweet mouth,
Should only ope to utter gentlest things
Of blessed influence, like the sweet South:
When it does other, Love shows he has wings;
'Tis as the rose's lips should breathe, from drouth
Of heavenly dews, ill odours, and not Spring's.
| Stones from The Quarry | |