University of Virginia Library

To the Dutchess of Portland on her Marriage.

Fame now has sounded far and wide,
That beauteous Harley, the fair Bride
Of generous Portland is to shine,
And Heav'n approves the great Design.
All Joy attend the happy Pair!
O Muse, thy choicest Song prepare,
At once thy just Devoirs to pay,
And aid the Mirth of that great Day.
But what to say?—I can't proceed—
“A pretty Compliment indeed!
“Is Harley's Daughter to be wed?
“And can no handsome Thing be said?
A sharp and just Reproof, I own;
But tell me—What is to be done?
She shines above our highest Praise,
Yet shuns the justest, humblest Lays;
And that's so very odd, you know,
A Poet knows not what to do.
I cou'd, 'tis true, on this Occasion,
Mount up to Heaven, as 'tis Fashion;
Make Goddesses to her submit,
Venus in Beauty, Pallas Wit;
A thousand pretty Things run o'er,
Each said a thousand Times before;
With all the Graces fill my Strains,
And then—be laugh'd at for my Pains.
No, No; such Common-place forbear,
There's no Occasion for it here;
Here Truth in plain and modest Words,
The finest Character affords;
And just to paint her as she is,
Will be the fairest, loveliest Piece.
But I forbear—I dare not try—
Yet give me Leave to prophecy.
“If Beauty, without Affectation,
“A Temper void of Heat or Passion,
“Averse to Censure, free from Pride,
“The Faults of others glad to hide;
“If Modesty, with Sweetness join'd,
“Not over fond, yet ever kind;
“A lively Wit, a Judgment clear,
“A Soul good-natur'd and sincere;
“A Breast with tenderest Passions warm,
“And every modest Art to charm;
“If these are Blessings in a Wife,
“Portland is blest, is blest for Life.