5 elements are inhabited by spirits, which they call Sylphs, Gnomes, Nymphs, and Salamanders. The gnomes, or dæmons of earth, delight in mischief; but the sylphs, whose habitation is in the air, are the best-conditioned creatures imaginable for they say, any mortal may enjoy the most intimate familiarities with these gentle spirits, upon a condition very easy to all true adepts, an inviolate preservation of chastity. As to the following Cantos, all the passages of them are as fabulous as the Vision at the beginning, or the Transformation at the end; (except the loss of your hair, which I always mention with reverence.) The human persons are as fictitious as the airy ones; and the character of Belinda, as it is now managed, resembles you in nothing but in beauty. If this Poem had as many graces as there are in your person, or in your mind, yet I could never hope it should pass through the world half so uncensured as you have done. But let its fortune be what it will, mine is happy enough, to have given me this occasion of assuring you that I am, with the truest esteem, MADAM, Your most obedient, humble servant, A. POPE. THE RAPE OF THE LOCK. Nolueram, Belinda, tuos violare capillos; CANTO I WHAT dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things, I sing This verse to Caryl, Muse! is due: This, e'en Belinda may vouchsafe to view : Slight is the subject, but not so the praise, If she inspire, and he approve my lays. Say what strange motive, Goddess! could compel A well-bred lord t'assault a gentle belle ? say what stranger cause, yet unexplor❜d, 5 10 Sol through white curtains shot a tim❜rous ray, And op'd those eyes that must eclipse the day : Now lap-dogs give themselves the rouzing shake, 15 And sleepless lovers, just at twelve, awake: Thrice rung the bell, the slipper knock'd the ground, And the press'd watch return'd a silver sound. Belinda still her downy pillow prest, Her guardian sylph prolong'd the balmy rest: 20 25 If e'er one vision touch'd thy infant-thought, 30 The silver token, and the circled green, 35 With golden crowns and wreaths of heav'nly flow'rs; These, though unseen, are ever on the wing, 40 Think what an equipage thou hast in air, And once inclos'd in woman's beauteous mould; From earthly vehicles to those of air. Think not, when woman's transient breath is fled, Succeeding vanities she still regards, 4.5 50 And though she plays no more, oe'rlooks the cards. Her joy in gilded chariots, when alive, 55 And love of Ombre, after death survive. 60 65 Know further yet; whoever, fair and chaste, Rejects mankind, is by some sylph embrac'd : For spirits, freed from mortal laws, with ease Assume what sexes and what shapes they please. 70 |