XXIX.—ON THE SIGHT OF QUEEN MARY, IN THE YEAR 1694.
I
I saw th'illustrious form, I saw
Beauty that gave the nations law:
Her eyes, like mercy on a throne,
In condescending grandeur shone.
II
That blooming face! How lovely fair
Hath nature mix'd her wonders there!
The rosy morn such lustre shows
Glancing along the Scythian snows.
III
Her shape, her motion, and her mien,
All heav'nly; such are angels seen,
When the bright vision grows intense,
And fancy aids our feeble sense.
IV
Earth's proudest idols dare not vie
With such superior majesty:
A kindling vapour might as soon
Rise from the bogs, and mate the moon.
V
I'll call no Raphael from his rest;
Such charms can never be exprest:
Pencil and paint were never made
To draw pure light without a shade.
VI
Britain beholds her Queen with pride,
And mighty William at her side
Gracing the throne, while at their feet
With humble joy three nations meet.
VII
Secure of empire, she might lay
Her crown, her robes, and state away,
And 'midst ten thousand nymphs be seen:
Her beauty would proclaim the queen.
Epanorthosis.
VIII
Her guardian angel heard my song,
Fond man, he cry'd, forbear to wrong
My lovely charge. So vulgar eyes
Gaze at the stars, and praise the skies.
IX
Rudely they praise, who dwell below,
And heav'n's true glories never know,
Where stars and planets are no more
Than pebbles scatter'd on the floor.
X
So, where celestial virtues join'd
Form an incomparable mind,
Crowns, sceptres, beauties, charms and air,
Stand but as shining servants there.
