To a very learned young Lady.
LOVE, like a Tyrant whom no Laws constrain,
Now for some Ages kept the World in Pain;
Beauty by vast Destructions got Renown,
And Lovers only by their Rage were known;
But Delia, more auspicious to Mankind,
Conqu'ring the Heart, as much instructs the Mind;
Blest in the Fate of her victorious Eyes,
Seeing, we love, and hearing, we grow wise:
So Rome, for Wisdom as for Conquest fam'd,
Improv'd with Arts whom she by Arms had tam'd.
Above the Clouds is plac'd this glorious Light,
Nothing lies hid from her enquiring Sight;
Athens and Rome for Arts restor'd rejoice,
Their Language takes new Musick from her Voice.
Learning and Love in the same Seat we find,
So bright her Form, and so adorn'd's her Mind.
Long has Minerva govern'd in the Skies
But now descends, confest to human Eyes:
Behold in Delia that inspiring Queen
Whom learned Athens so ador'd unseen.