Song LXX. Amelia

One eve from Whist Table Amelia withdrew, Join'd our Group, and she begg'd we'd explain— Why year after year, by Wit's common-place Crew, We are told Life's so short and so vain. With a Look that spoke more than all Cicero said, To me flew her order—I bow'd, and obey'd.

"Our Sex, my fair Curious, are Vanity's fools, "On bubbles of Self-love we soar; "However a patron may pension his tools, "Dependency dodges for more. "The Gross of Mankind are such near-sighted elves, "As Trash they behold all the World,—but themselves.

"Illib'ral Ingratitude always will scold, "Expectancy's ever in pain; "Abuse gives her tongue, and you need no be told, "The most worthless are always most vain. "Like pure silent streams, Merit keeps in its place, "Approach Dunce's torrent, Froth flies your face.

"When you bless the day, with your figure and face, "Insensibles seem to admire; "By Love's Electricities—Beauty and Grace, "Ev'n Dullness is struck with desire. "Life's not worth without you, one half day's expence, "'Tis a World without Sun, and a Soul without Sense.

"O! wou'd ye, Ineffables, wou'd you endure, "To bestow upon Man a new birth; "Your Forms are Specifies to furnish the cure, "And eradicate Folly from Earth. "To you, as our Sovereign, we offer our Hearts, "And only are happy when you take our parts."