Airy ones; and the Character of Belinda, as it is now manag'd, resembles You in nothing but in Beauty. If this Poem had as many Graces as there are in Your Perfon, or in Your Mind, yet I could never hope it should pass thro' the World half so Uncensured as You have done. But let its Fortune be what it will, mine is happy enough, to have given me this Occafion of affuring You that I am, with the trueft Efteem. Madam, Your Moft Obedient Humble Servant, A. POPE I fing. CANTO 1. HAT dire Offence from am'rous Causes fprings, What mighty Quarrels rife from trivial Things, This Verfe to C---, Mufe! is due, This, ev'n Belinda may vouchfafe to view: Say Say what strange Motive, Goddess! cou'd compel A well-bred Lord t'affault a gentle Belle? Oh fay what stranger Caufe, yet unexplor'd, Sol thro' white Curtains did his Beams display, And op'd thofe Eyes which brighter shine than they; Now Shock had given himself the rowsing shake, And Nymphs prepar'd their Chocolate to take; Thrice the wrought Slipper knock'd against the Ground, And striking Watches the tenth Hour refound. Her Guardian Sylph prolong'd the balmy rest. Seem'd Seem'd to her Ear his winning Lips to lay, Fairest of Mortals, thou diftinguifh'd Care [Flow'rs, With Golden Crowns and Wreaths of heav'nly Think |