THE BEAUTIES O F ENGLISH POES Y. The Rape of the Lock. This feems to be Mr. Pope's most finished production, and is, perhaps, the most perfect in our language. It exhibits ftronger powers of imagination, more harmony of numbers, and a greater knowledge of the world, than any other of this poet's works: and it is probable, if our country were called upon to fhew a fpecimen of their genius to foreigners, this would be the work here fixed upon. WHAT HAT dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rife from trivial things, I fing-This verfe to CARYL, Mufe! is due: This, ev'n Belinda may vouchsafe to view : Slight is the fubject, but not fo the praise, If She infpire, and He approve my lays. VOL. I. B Say Say what ftrange motive, Goddefs! could compel Her guardian SYLPH prolong'd the balmy reft: The filver token, and the circled green, Or virgins vifited by Angel-pow'rs, With golden crowns and wreaths of heav'nly flow'rs ;` Hear and believe! thy own importance know, Nor bound thy narrow views to things below. Some Some fecret truths, from learned pride conceal'd, Thefe, tho' unfeen, are ever on the wing, Think not, when Woman's tranfient breath is fled, Succeeding vanities fhe ftill regards, And, tho' fhe plays no more, o'erlooks the cards. |