The JUDGMENT of APOLLO; Or the Assembly of Celestials

In Heav'n of late the Gods in council sat, Much they debated, much their wond'rous chat, Jove, Mars and Mercury were there in state, And joined their deep opinions in debate; Each little God and Demi-god was there, Ev'n soft Adonis favor'd by the fair: Their converse long on heavenly things detained, When Jove got up and thus in terms complain'd, "My great co-partners in these realms above, The world of beauty and the scenes of love, 'Tis said on earth that forms angelic live, While Beauty's prize we now to Venus give: 'Tis wrong in Gods to judge unfair, you know, What if we should to wordly regions go And be convinc'd? we then can judge with ease; 'Tis but a trip—the Jaunt perhaps may please"— The Gods consent—the whole together move, And came to judge of beauty and of love.

A spacious plain encircled round with trees, Cool'd by a gentle fanning zeph'ry breeze, Compos'd the hall—the court was summon'd straight, The female world of beauty on them wait Each to receive the prize her charms decreed, And those that wanted, fresher charms to plead.

Apollo Umpire sat o'er all the rest, Op'd his commission and the croud address'd. Demanded silence till each fair was heard, Or got the prize or suitable reward. 'Twas fervent summer pouring from the line, And all their looks with animation shine; Through light-laid garments and through veils of gauze Their charms appear'd and silent claim'd applause: The girls of Philadelphia all were there, In soft assemblage round the speaker's chair, Eager to grasp Apollo's beaut'ous prize, While emulation sparkled from their eyes. With dread they saw the sacred judge appear, And some were trembling, some were mute through fear, Till some with looks the best they e'er put on Step'd boldly up and then address'd the throne.