Classic Poem

Be Venus, crown'd with golden wreaths, my theme,
Venus, in Cyprus' wave-wash'd seats supreme,
Where the moist Zephyrs to the favour'd shore
From Ocean's foam the lovely goddess bore.
The smiling Hours receiv'd the heavenly guest,
And her fair limbs in robes celestial dress'd;
Her ivory front a rich tiara wears,
And shining pendants glitter in her ears;
Her beauteous neck and snowy bosom shine
With jewels rich and ornaments divine,
Such as adorn the circling race above,
When awed they stand around the throne of Jove.
Deck'd thus in splendid garb, the golden Hours
Led the fair goddess to the immortal bowers.
Each god to gain the lovely stranger tried,
For each, enamour'd, wish'd her for his bride.
O crown'd with violets! on whose sable brow
Beams warm desire — bright Cytherea! show
Thy humble votary favour — so again
My voice shall hail thee in a grateful strain.