Occasional Poems Translations, Fables, Tales, &c. By William Somervile |
 |
 |
The True Use of the Looking-Glass:
|
 | Occasional Poems |  |
The True Use of the Looking-Glass:
A TALE.
Tom Careful had a Son and Heir,Exact his Shape, genteel his Air,
Adonis was not half so fair.
345
Was but so, so, a little plain.
In Mam's Apartment, as one day
The little Romp, and Hoyden play,
Their Faces in the Glass they view'd,
Which then upon her Toylet stood;
Where, as Narcissus vain, the Boy
Beheld each rising Charm with Joy;
With partial Eyes survey'd himself,
But for his Sister, poor brown Elf,
On her, the self-enamour'd Chit
Was very lavish of his Wit.
She bore, alas! whate'er she cou'd,
But 'twas too much for Flesh and Blood;
What Female ever had the Grace
To pardon Scandal on her Face?
Disconsolate away she flies,
And at her Daddy's Feet she lies;
Sighs, Sobs, and Groans, calls to her Aid,
And Tears, that readily obey'd;
346
Exerting all her Eloquence:
The Cause th' indulgent Father heard,
And Culprit summon'd soon appear'd;
Some Tokens of Remorse he show'd,
And promis'd largely to be good.
As both, the tender Father press'd
With equal Ardour to his Breast,
And smiling kiss'd, Let there be Peace,
Said he, let Broils, and Discord cease:
Each Day (my Children) thus employ
The faithful Mirror; you, my Boy,
Remember that no Vice disgrace,
The Gift of Heav'n, that beauteous Face:
And you, my Girl, take special care,
Your want of Beauty to repair,
By Virtue, which alone is Fair.
| Occasional Poems | |