Classic Poem

Virgins should not unskill'd in Musick be;
For what's more like themselves than Harmony!
Let not Vice use it only to betray,
And Sirens by their Songs entice their Prey.
Let it with Sense, with Voice and Beauty join,
Grateful to Eyes and Ear, and to the Mind divine:
For there's a double Grace when pleasing strings
Are touch'd by Her that more delightful sings.
Thus Orpheus did the Rage of Deserts quell,
And charm'd the monstrous Instruments of Hell.
New Walls to Thebes Amphion thus began,
Whilst to the Work officious Marble ran.
Thus with his Harp and Voice Arion rode
On the mute Fish safe through the rolling Flood.

Nor are the Essays of the Female Wit
Less charming in the Verses they have writ.
From antient Ages Love has found the way
Its bashful Thoughts by Letters to convey;
Which sometimes run in such engaging strain,
That Pity makes the Fair write back again.
What 's thus intended some small time delay:
His Passion strengthens rather by your stay.
Then with a cautious Wit your Pen withhold,
Lest a too free expression make him bold.
Create a Mixture 'twixt his Hope and Fear,
And in Reproof let Tenderness appear.
As he deserves it give him hopes of Life:
A cruel Mistress makes a froward Wife.