Classic Poem

HAVING THE SMALL-POX ,

Soon after the recovery of Mrs. Mohun.

Scarce could the general joy for Mohun appear,
But new attempts shew other dangers near;
Beauty's attack'd in her imperial fort,
Where all her Loves and Graces kept their court;
In her chief residence besieg'd at last,
Laments to see her fairest fields laid waste.
On things immortal all attempts are vain;
Tyrant Disease! 't is loss of time and pain;
Glut thy wild rage, and load thee with rich prize,
Torn from her cheeks, her fragrant lips and eyes:
Let her but live; as much vermilion take
As might a Helen or a Venus make;
Like Thetis she shall frustrate thy vain rape,
And in variety of charms escape.
The twinkling stars drop numberless each night,
Yet shines the radiant firmament as bright:
So from the ocean should we rivers drain,
Still would enough to drown the world remain.