On Calumny.
95
Things which so very ill agree
As graces and severity?
You, who the sex, in charms excel,
You know this dangerous people well;
With them we live amidst our foes,
Boldly their malice sly oppose.
Amidst them all your charms display,
Discreetly follow your own way,
Follow your innate virtues lore,
And slanderers then shall prate no more.