Original poems on several subjects In two volumes. By William Stevenson |
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 | II. |
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To a Lady offended at seeing her Verses
printed, on account of their being too simple. |
 | Original poems on several subjects |  |
314
To a Lady offended at seeing her Verses printed, on account of their being too simple.
You still, my fair, prepost'rously complain,Your verses are too simple and too plain,
When, if you mind the critically wise,
Their very beauty in their plainness lies;
As lilies charm in plain and simple white,
But, daub'd with vermile, would disgust the sight;
As the false cheek's vile artificial flush
Can never pass for Nature's roseate blush.
How easy to throw off the tumid phrase,
And interlard with epithets the lays!
But the parade of florid words confounds,
And sentiment is lost in pomp of sounds:
As the fresh landscape's vivid green looks pale,
When noon's strong light and scorching heats prevail.
If suited to the circumstance, and place,
Simplicity is woman's truest grace.
When thoughtless females the reverse prefer,
From Nature they depart, and always err.
Mere Affectation vainly would assert
A steady, lasting empire o'er the heart.
315
Your numbers be an emblem of your life;
Thus, rather than complain with captious voice,
You may have cause to triumph and rejoice.
| Original poems on several subjects | |