Poems (Sewell)/Verses on a Lady leaving off Cards

by Mary Young Sewell

VERSES, 

BY PARTICULAR DESIRE, ON A LADY LEAVING OFF CARDS.

As Prudence chanc'd, the other day,
With cautious steps to take her way,
She met the flaunting form of Fashion,
Whose faded eyes were red with passion:
With scorn, the graceful nymph had pass'd her,
But angry Fashion tript the faster.
"So Madam Pride!—at last I've caught you!"
Cried she—"the thief I always thought you!
"Well may you shew that air victorious!-
"You've robb'd me—'tis a fact notorious!"

"I've robb'd you Ma'am!" the nymph reply'd—
"Since Truth and Reason's on my side,
"It makes me calm, whilst you are furious;
"But truly, this reproach is curious!
"When all the world must sure agree,
"What monstrous thefts you make from me:
"The fairest plant I nurse so tender,
"From ev'ry vile and rash offender,
"If once thy touch the stalk shall sever,
"It shrinks and fades, and droops for ever!"

"'Tis mine," cry'd Fashion, "to expand
"Its beauties with my fost'ring hand;
"But what, alas! avails my care?
"This hour I'm destin'd to despair.
"Melinda fair, and bright and gay,
"Those wicked arts have stol'n away;
"My blest resource she now discards,
"The pride, the glowing joy of Cards!
"The Trump so graceful wou'd she lead—
"Her luck was victory indeed!
"And oh—so well she bore her crosses,
"Ev'n Cupid might revenge her losses!
"Old Plutus own'd that deed was mine,
"To bring such votaries to his shrine.
"Even Venus sure, might next pursue him,
"And all the Loves and Graces woo him!
"With pride, I saw my pleasing art
"Engag'd the soft Melinda's heart;
"But thou!—oh hateful to my sight!
"Thy fatal wand has chang'd her quite!
"One icy touch!—she flies, I see!
"And lends her graces now to thee!"