Song to a Lady, Who Discovered a New Star in Cassiopeia

As Ariana, young and fair, By night the starry quire did tell, She found in Cassiopeia's chair One beauteous light the rest excel: This happy star, unseen before, Perhaps was kindled from her eyes, And made for mortals to adore A new-born glory in the skies.

Or if within the sphere it grew, Before she gaz'd the lamp was dim; But from her eyes the sparkles flew That gave new lustre to the gem. Bright omen! what dost thou portend, Thou threatening beauty of the sky? What great, what happy monarch's end? For sure by thee 'tis sweet to die.

Whether to thy fore-boding fire We owe the crescent in decay? Or must the mighty Gaul expire A victim to thy fatal ray? Such a presage will late be shown Before the world in ashes lies; But if less ruin will atone, Let Strephon's only fate suffice.