University of Virginia Library


111

Silvia.

An Epigram.

Her time with equal prudence Silvia shares,
First writes her Billet-doux, then says her pray'rs,
Her mass and toilet; vespers, and the play;
Thus God and Ashtaroth divide the day:
Constant she keeps her Ember-week, and Lent,
At Easter calls all Israel to her tent:
Loose without band, and pious without zeal,
She still repeats the sins she would conceal;
Envy her self from Silvia's life must grant,
An artful woman makes a modern saint.