Classic Poem

As Prudence chanc'd, the other day,
With cautious steps to take her way,
She met the flaunting form of F ASHION ,
Whose faded eyes were red with passion:
With scorn, the graceful nymph had pass'd her,
But angry Fashion tript the faster.
" So Madam Pride! — at last I've caught you! "
Cried she — " the thief I always thought you!
" Well may you shew that air victorious! —
" You've robb'd me — 'tis a fact notorious! "

" I've robb'd you Ma'am! " the nymph reply'd —
" Since Truth and Reason's on my side,
" It makes me calm, whilst you are furious;
" But truly, this reproach is curious!
" When all the world must sure agree,
" What monstrous thefts you make from me;
" The fairest plant I nurse so tender,
" From ev'ry vile and rash offender,
" If once thy touch the stalk shall sever,
" It shrinks and fades, and droops for ever! "

" 'Tis mine, " cry'd Fashion, " to expand
" Its beauties with my fost'ring hand;
" But what, alas! avails my care?
" This hour I'm destin'd to despair.
" M ELINDA fair, and bright and gay,
" Those wicked arts have stol'n away;
" My blest resource she now discards,
" The pride, the glowing joy of Cards!
" The Trump so graceful wou'd she lead —
" Her luck was victory indeed!
" And oh — so well she bore her crosses,
" Ev'n Cupid might revenge her losses!
" Old Plutus own'd that deed was mine,
" To bring such votaries to his shrine.
" Even Venus sure, might next pursue him,
" And all the Loves and Graces woo him!
" With pride, I saw my pleasing art
" Engag'd the soft M ELINDA'S heart;
" But thou! — oh hateful to my sight!
" Thy fatal wand has chang'd her quite!
" One icy touch! — she flies, I see!
" And lends her graces now to THEE ! "