To the Duchess of QUEENSBERRY

Let the knight on beauty low'r, Loveliest ornament of pow'r; Let him at a stager's nod, Painted, prostitute, and proud, Hate to real charms display, Basely sworn to ruin Gay. Happy Gay! ordain'd to know Such a friend and such a foe! What though wit, and sense to love, Courtiers' idle rage may move? Calmly you unhurt retreat, Banish'd by the vulgar great. Take your beauties thence away, Full revenge is to obey. Let the meaner rank and face Borrow lustre from the place. There where friendship false beguiles, Basely murd'ring while it smiles; There where proud despotic will Boasts the power of doing ill; There where paltry gold outvies All the lustre of your eyes; Generous, and just, and fair, Why, ah why should you be there!