The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley Collected and Edited from the Old Editions: With a preface on the text, explanatory and textual notes, an appendix containing works of doubtful authenticity, and a bibliography: By V. de Sola Pinto |
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 | The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley |  |
22
XXIV
TO CELIA
As in those Nations, where they yet adore
Marble and Cedar, and their Aid, implore:
'Tis not the Workman, nor the precious Wood,
But 'tis the Worshipper that makes the God;
So, cruel Fair, though Heaven has giv'n you all,
We Mortals (Vertue or can Beauty) call,
'Tis we that give the Thunder to your Frowns,
Darts to your Eyes, and to our selves the Wounds:
Without our Love, which proudly you deride,
Vain were your Beauty, and more vain your Pride;
All envy'd Beings that the World can shew,
Still to some meaner things their greatness owe,
Subjects make Kings, and we (the numerous Train
Of humble Lovers) constitute thy Reign,
This difference only Beauty's Realm may boast,
Where most it favours, it enslaves the most;
And they to whom it is indulgent found,
Are ever in the surest Fetters bound:
What Tyrant yet, but thee, was ever known
Cruel to those that serv'd to make him one?
Valour's a Vice, if not with Honour joyn'd,
Beauty a raging Plague, if never kind.
| The poetical and dramatic works of Sir Charles Sedley | |