the school for scandal Tell me ye prim adepts in Scandal's school Who rail by precept and detract rule Lives there no character so tried known So deck'd with grace unlike your own That even you assist her fame to raise Approve envy silence praise!— Attend!—a model shall attract view— Daughters of calumny I summon you! You decide if this a portrait prove Or fond creation the Muse Love.— Attend virgin critics shrewd sage Ye matron censors childish age Whose peering eye wrinkled front declare A fixt antipathy young fair By cunning cautious or nature cold In maiden madness virulently bold!— Attend! skilled coin precious tale Creating proof where innuendos fail! practised memories cruelly exact Omit circumstance except fact!— all who boast—or old young— The living libel slanderous tongue! my theme as far contrasted be As saints fiends hymns calumny. Come gentle Amoret (for 'neath that name worthier verse is sung thy beauty's fame) Come—for but thee seeks Muse? while Celestial blushes check conscious smile With timid hesitating eye perfect model which boast supply:— Vain Muse! couldst thou humblest sketch create Of her slightest charm imitate— Could blest strain kindred colours trace faintest wonder form face— Poets would study immortal line And REYNOLDS own HIS art subdued thine art well might added lustre give To Nature's best Heaven's superlative: On GRANBY'S cheek bid new glories rise point purer beam from DEVON'S eyes! Hard task shape praise judgment scorns homage flattery pays! But praising we cannot err No tongue o'ervalues Heaven flatters her! Yet she Fate's perverseness—she alone Would doubt our truth nor deem such praise own! Adorning Fashion unadorn'd dress Simple taste not carelessness Discreet gesture deportment mild Not stiff prudence uncouthly wild: state has AMORET! studied mien She frowns GODDESS she moves QUEEN. softer manner lies Is framed captivate yet surprise It justly suits th' expression face— 'Tis less than dignity more grace! pure native hue such That form'd Heav'n be admired much hand divine partial care Might have fix'd fainter crimson there bade inmate breast— Inshrined Modesty!—supply rest. peril lips paint? Strip them smiles—still still words are faint! moving Love himself appears teach Their action though denied rule speech seest speak dost hear Mourn distant accents 'scape thine ear Viewing those lips may'st make pretence judge what says swear 'tis sense: Cloth'd fraught They move meaning they pause thought! farther watch charm'd surprise mild irresolution eyes Curious mark how frequent repose brief eclipse momentary close— Ah! an ambush'd Cupid Too tim'rous his charge jealous care Veils unveils beams heav'nly light full too fatal else for mortal sight? Nor yet pleasing vengeance meet pard'ning dimples hope safe retreat. What peaceful breast should ne'er allow Subduing arm altered brow Love swear wiles More mercy smiles! Thus lovely thus adorn'd possessing bright fair can woman fall height vanity thought Prerogative fault. AMORET mind supreme charms rejects vainer theme And half mistrustful store barbs wit darts keen before:— Read knowledge sex reach Though GREVILLE MUSE deign teach Fond improve discern How it woman's grace learn MILLAR'S dialect prove Apollo's priestess love Graced signs truth delights blush submitted tone: Whate'er sense appear throughout Displays tender female doubt Deck'd charm lovely appears graceful SCIENCE when robe wears! Such talents bent mind sprightly heart refined: taste mirth contemplation school'd turn ridicule candour ruled scorn folly tries hide An awe talent owns pride! Peace idle prolong yield warmest praises wrong Just merit canst raise Thy feeble verse behold acknowledged Has spread conviction through envious train cast gloom o'er reign! lo! each pallid hag blister'd tongue Mutters assent zeal sung— Owns just—the outline true Thee inspirer MODEL—CREWE!