Classic Poem

I.

Oft had I laugh'd at female pow'r,
And slighted Venus' chain —
Then cheerful sped each fleeting hour,
Unknown to eating pain ;

II.

By Stoic rules, severely taught,
To scorn bright beauty's charms,
Sage wisdom sway'd each rising thought,
And woo'd me to her arms ;

III.

Till Sylvia, heav'nly Sylvia, came,
Sweet pleasure play'd her round ;
Her lucid eyes shot forth a flame,
That hardest hearts would wound.

IV.

Quick from my breast each bold resolve,
In empty aether flew ;
My limbs in trembling bliss dissolve,
All wet with chilling dew.

V.

O charmer ! cease that ardent gaze,
Nor rob me of my rest ;
Such light'ning from those eye-lids plays,
It burns my tortur'd breast.

VI.

Deluded swains, who, vainly proud,
Assume gay freedom's air,
And, boastful, scorn the prostrate crowd
That sigh before the fair !

VII.

If once fair Sylvia you should meet,
And view her heav'nly mien ;
To Love converted, at her feet,
You'll hug the pleasing chain.