Classic Poem

Hail to Clarinda , dear Euterpe Hail,
Now we shall Conquer, now indeed prevail;
Clarinda will her charming Lines expose,
And in her Strength we vanquish all our Foes.
To these Triumphant Lays, let each repair,
A sacred Sanction to the writing Fair;
Mankind has long upheld the Learned Sway,
And Tyrant Custom forc'd us to obey.
Thought Art and Science did to them belong,
And to assert our selves was deem'd a Wrong,
But we are justify'd by thy immortal Song:
Come ye bright Nymphs a lasting Garland bring,
In never fading Verse, Clarinda 's Praises sing;
Read o're her Works, see how Genuine Nature fires,
Observe the sweetness which her Pen inspires.
From thence grow Wise, from thence your Thoughts improve
Here's Judgment piercing Sense and softer Love;
To idle Gayeties true Wit prefer,
Strive all ye thinking Fair, to Copy her.