ABSTRACT
And striking Watches the tenth Hour resound. Belinda rose, and ‘midst attending Dames Launch’d on the Bosom of the silver Thames: 20 A Train of well-drest Youths around her shone, And ev’ ry Eye was fixed on her alone; On her white Breast a sparkling Cross she wore, Which Jews might kiss, and Infidels adore. Her lively Looks a sprightly Mind disclose, 25 Quick as her Eyes, and as unfixt as those: Favours to none, to all she Smiles extends; Oft she rejects, but never once offends. Bright as the Sun her Eyes the Gazers strike, And, like the Sun, they shine on all alike. 30 Yet graceful Ease, and Sweetness void of Pride, Might hide her Faults, if Belles had Faults to hide: If to her share some Female Errors fall, Look on her Face, and you’ll forgive ‘em all.
