Classic Poem

RITTEN ON TWO YOUNG LADIES, ONE OF A FAIR, THE OTHER OF A BROWN COMPLEXION, WHO DESIRED THE AUTHOR TO MAKE SOME VERSES ON THEM .

Since, Ladies, you a song desire,
Pray how can I refuse!
Then, while your charms my theme inspire,
I'll straight invoke the muse.

But how within one song shall I
Your sep'rate graces praise,
While both of you delight my eye,
And both in diff'rent ways.

While, Miss, in you, the lillies find
A rival of their white;
Of beauties of the olive kind,
You, Miss, are the most bright.

Your eyes mild lustre we admire,
Form'd softer love to draw;
Yours shine with majesty and fire,
And strike with sacred awe.

Now of your shape and air: — in both
There is so much of grace,
That I to either would be loth
To give the higher place.

There's sweetness 'bout your mouths exprest,
I like in each so well,
That 'till I try which of them's best,
I never else can tell.

Now which most pretty, fair or brown,
Shall I at last declare?
But, each so pretty, I must own,
Ye're both beyond compare.

If, ladies, you approve my muse,
And would my song reward;
I'm at your service, — either chuse,
And take the willing bard.