Versos English William Shenstone SONG. The attribute of Venus

English poem

SONG. The attribute of Venus

by (1714–1763)

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Yes; Fulvia is like Venus fair, Has all her bloom, and shape, and air; But still, to perfect ev'ry grace, She wants—the smile upon her face.

The crown majestic Juno wore, And Cynthia's brow the crescent bore, An helmet mark'd Minerva's mien, But smiles distinguish'd Beauty's queen.

Her train was form'd of Smiles and Loves, Her chariot drawn by gentlest doves; And from her zone the nymph may find 'Tis Beauty's province to be kind.

Then smile, my Fair! and all whose aim Aspires to paint the Cyprian dame, Or bid her breathe in living stone, Shall take their forms from you alone.