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104
ADDRESSED TO A LADY, WITH A PRINT OF CORNELIA.
When
Rome was yet in antient virtue great,
Ere tyrant Cæsars had unnerv'd the state;
Proud of her toilette's wealth, a modish Fair
The costly hoard to fam'd Cornelia bare:
And, having press'd it on her cold survey,
With conscious triumph claim'd a like display.
Soon as from school her boys, the Gracchi, came;
“Behold my jewels (cried the happy Dame)
“These are the gems a mother most should prize,
“These glitter brightest to maternal eyes.”
Her inmost soul confounded at the view,
The self-admonish'd visitant withdrew.
Ere tyrant Cæsars had unnerv'd the state;
Proud of her toilette's wealth, a modish Fair
The costly hoard to fam'd Cornelia bare:
And, having press'd it on her cold survey,
With conscious triumph claim'd a like display.
Soon as from school her boys, the Gracchi, came;
“Behold my jewels (cried the happy Dame)
“These are the gems a mother most should prize,
“These glitter brightest to maternal eyes.”
Her inmost soul confounded at the view,
The self-admonish'd visitant withdrew.
Such were the matrons virtuous Rome admir'd:
From such sprang patriots who, by toils untir'd,
Even to the last despotic sway defied;
And, vanquish'd in the noble conflict—died.
From such sprang patriots who, by toils untir'd,
Even to the last despotic sway defied;
And, vanquish'd in the noble conflict—died.
One such I could, but may not name (for she,
Blind to herself, would deem it flattery)
One who, Cornelia-like, each hour employs
Sweet labour! 'mid the sphere of filial joys:
To courtiers leaves exhausted India's store;
And, rich in living diamonds, asks no more.
Blind to herself, would deem it flattery)
One who, Cornelia-like, each hour employs
Sweet labour! 'mid the sphere of filial joys:
To courtiers leaves exhausted India's store;
And, rich in living diamonds, asks no more.
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