As with her Stature, still her Charms encreas'd;
Thro' all the Isle her Beauty was confess'd.
Oh! what Perfections must that Virgin share,
Who Fairest is esteem'd, where all are Fair?
From distant Shires repair the noble Youth,
And find, Report, for once, had lessen'd Truth.
By Wonder first, and then by Passion mov'd,
They came; they saw; they marvell'd; and they lov'd.
By public Praises, and by secret Sighs,
Each own'd the gen'ral Pow'r of  Eyes.
In Tilts and Turnaments the Valiant strove,
By glorious Deeds, to purchase  Love.
In gentle Verse, the Witty told their Flame,
And grac'd their choicest Songs with  Name.
In vain they Combated, in vain they Writ:
Useless their Strength, and impotent their Wit.
Great  only must direct the Dart,
Which else will never reach the Fair one's Heart;
Spight of th' Attempts of Force, and soft Effects of Art.
Great  must prefer the happy One:
In  Cause Her Favour must be shown:
And , of Mankind, must Love but Him alone.