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Beauty

or The Art of Charming. A Poem [by Robert Dodsley]

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Florella, blest with every outward Grace,
Shape, Air, Complexion, and a beauteous Face,
Had long imperial Tyranny maintain'd
O'er gentle Damon, and his Suit disdain'd.

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Vain of her Charms she thought his Heart her own,
Thought Life and Death was in her Smile or Frown;
And oft when tenderest Words told how he lov'd,
The fair Coquet was but with Laughter mov'd;
Thought his fond Sighs the Tribute of her Beauty,
And all his Love no more than just his Duty.
Nor car'd to Please, nor sought to heal his Smart,
Fond of the Power to tantalize his Heart.