Classic Poem

ON HER DRESS .

A H , envious robe! to frustrate Heaven's intent,
Concealing beauty from the eye of day;
Beauty to man by gracious Nature sent
To cheer the wanderer on his lonesome way.

One Power who wak'd Aurora's smiling light
Gave skies their azure, and gave vales their green,
Form'd the quick sense for wonder and delight,
Made eyes to see, and Laura to be seen.

Curs'd be the' eclipse that plunges morn in night,
And jealous clouds that shade the landscape's scene;
On envious robes severer curses light;
That veil the beauties of my summer's queen!

Ah, Laura! cruel Laura! why constrain
In Art's fantastic drapery, Nature's ease?
Why, form'd to empire, empire's arts disdain?
Why, born for pleasure, still refuse to please?

Nor yet these folds on folds, this load of dress,
Shall bar approaches to poetic love;
No — where the Graces sport in sweet recess,
'Tis Fancy, bold intruder, joys to rove:

Fancy, pursuing where my Laura flies,
With wanton gales forbidden charms reveals;
Betrays her slumbers, and with eager eyes
The panting breast devouring, dreams it feels.

Fancy, indulgent to her votary's prayer,
Shows where, sequester'd from the sultry beam,
The limpid wave but ill conceal'd the fair,
With virgins sporting in her Ganges' stream.