Ye Fair Possessed

Ye fair possess'd of ev'ry charm, To captivate the will, Whose smiles can rage itself disarm, Whose frowns at once can kill: Say will you deign the verse to hear, Where flatt'ry bears no part; And honest verse, that flows sincere, And candid from the heart.

Great is your pow'r; but greater yet, Mankind it might engage: If, as ye all can make a net, Ye all could make a cage. Each nymph a thousand hearts may take; For who's to beauty blind? But to what end a prisoner make, Unless you've strength to bind?

Attend the council often told, Too often told in vain. Learn that best art, the art to hold, And lock the lover's chain. Gamesters to little purpose win, Who lose again as fast; Tho' beauty may the charm begin, 'Tis sweetness makes it last