September 1800

In courts and balls each undistinguish’d face, Boasting nor Hebe’s bloom, nor Helen’s grace, To no more purpose of delight is there, Than to enhance the triumphs of the fair; Obscured, near Beauty’s shining forms to stray, As moon and stars around the sun by day; Or by that homage find their pride sustain’d Which their eclipsing rivals had disdain’d; The wretched gleanings, with tired hand, to rake, And insincere attention give and take. But O! if thine the Mind’s true charms appear. To dazzling Beauty leave her proper sphere; Unenvying leave her to her transient sway, The speedy darkning of her solar ray! Thou, in thy milder orb—of private life; As duteous Daughter, and endearing Wife, Kind Sister, gentle Mistress, faithful Friend, Shalt find with Life alone thy empire end!