The Auction (1778) [ People ]
… As proud of other's follies as her own . In vain the attending Ministers divide The flowing tresses, or, in borrow'd pride, Attach the ringlets: Quick, her hands displace, With rude attack, the honours of her face. Before the once-lov'd … insults me with a pitying strain. “Sure some ill-omen'd Sprite was sent to guide “My youthful footsteps in the paths of Pride, “Whose magic power, and unresisted art, “In secret chains secur'd my thoughtless heart; “And in one giddy moment … I was shewn, “In all the honours of my mother's gown, “To meet the sneers and censures of the Town. “Yet to preserve my pride, my Sisters wore “Each faded robe that I could wear no more. “But, ah! this World, which I so long'd to see, …
Women | Beauty | Leisure
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