Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO MRS. FRANCES-ARABELLA KELLY, by MARY BARBER Poet's Biography First Line: Today, as at my glass I stood Last Line: For universal tyranny.' Subject(s): Beauty | ||||||||
TODAY, as at my glass I stood, To set my head-clothes and my hood, I saw my grizzled locks with dread, And called to mind the Gorgon's head. Thought I, whate'er the poets say, Medusa's hair was only grey: Though Ovid, who the story told, Was too well-bred to call her old; But, what amounted to the same, He made her an immortal dame. Yet now, whene'er a matron sage Hath felt the rugged hand of age, You hear our witty coxcombs cry, 'Rot that old witch -- she'll never die'; Though, had they but a little reading, Ovid would teach them better breeding. I fancy now I hear you say, 'Grant heaven my locks may ne'er be grey! Why am I told this frightful story, To beauty a memento mori?' And, as along the room you pass, Casting your eye upon the glass, 'Surely,' say you, 'this lovely face Will never suffer such disgrace: The bloom, that on my cheek appears, Will never be impaired by years. Her envy, now I plainly see, Makes her inscribe those lines to me. These beldames, who were born before me, Are grieved to see the men adore me: Their snaky locks freeze up the blood; My tresses fire the purple flood. 'Unnumbered slaves around me wait, And from my eyes expect their fate. I own of conquest I am vain, Though I despise the slaves I gain. Heaven gave me charms, and destined me For universal tyranny.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VARIATIONS: 14 by CONRAD AIKEN DIVINELY SUPERFLUOUS BEAUTY by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE BEAUTY OF THINGS by ROBINSON JEFFERS HOPE IS NOT FOR THE WISE by ROBINSON JEFFERS LIFE FROM THE LIFELESS by ROBINSON JEFFERS REARMAMENT by ROBINSON JEFFERS SHANE ONEILLS CAIRN by ROBINSON JEFFERS WRITTEN FOR MY SON, AND SPOKEN BY HIM AT HIS FIRST PUTTING ON BREECHES by MARY BARBER AN UNANSWERABLE APOLOGY FOR THE RICH by MARY BARBER ON SEEING AN OFFICER'S WIDOW DISTRACTED - ARREARS OF PENSION by MARY BARBER |
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