The Author's Reply to Sylvia
Sylvia , in vain you wou'd evade
The accusation I have laid:
Your witty, criminal excuses,
Prove your intrigues with all the Muses.
Your guilty commerce with the nine,
Appears from each harmonious line;
Your guilt encreases — since 'tis fit,
We now add modesty to wit.
F OR at the Poets last assize,
Held at their temple near the skys,
The Cause was fairly tried at large,
And you found guilty of the Charge .
The Muses gave in their Report ,
Unspotted witnesses at court.
The accusation I have laid:
Your witty, criminal excuses,
Prove your intrigues with all the Muses.
Your guilty commerce with the nine,
Appears from each harmonious line;
Your guilt encreases — since 'tis fit,
We now add modesty to wit.
F OR at the Poets last assize,
Held at their temple near the skys,
The Cause was fairly tried at large,
And you found guilty of the Charge .
The Muses gave in their Report ,
Unspotted witnesses at court.