The Peer now spreads the glitt'ring Forfex wide,
T'inclose the Lock; now joins it to divide,
Ev'n then, before the fatal Engine clos'd,
A wretched Sylph too fondly interpos'd;

Fate urg'd the Sheers, and cut the Sylph in twain,
(* But Airy Substance soon unites again)
The meeting Points the facred Hair diffever
From the fair Head, for ever and for ever!

Then flash'd the living Lightnings from her Eyes, And Screams of Horror rend th' affrighted Skies. Not louder Shrieks by Dames to Heav'n are caft, When Husbands or when Lap-dogs breathe their last, Or when rich China Veffels, fall'n from high, In glittering Duft and painted Fragments lie!

Let Wreaths of Triumph now my Temples twine, (The Victor cry'd) the glorious Prize is mine! While Fish in Streams, or Birds delight in Air, Or in a Coach and Six the British Fair,

See Milton, lib. 6,

C4

As

As long as Atalantis fhall be read,

Or the fmall Pillow grace a Lady's Bed,
While Vifits shall be paid on folemn Days,
When num'rous Wax-lights in bright Order blaze,
While Nymphs take Treats, or Affignations give,
So long my Honour, Name, and Praife shall live!

And ftrike to Duft th' Imperial Tow'rs of Troy; Steel cou'd the Works of mortal Pride confound, And hew Triumphal Arches to the Ground.

[feel What wonder then, fair Nymph! thy Hairs fhou'd The conqu'ring Force of unrefifted Steel? ruw no tellex I besaisy Linn Jud punerily d

THE

RAPE of the LOCK.

CANTO IV.

UT anxious Cares the penfive Nymph oppreft,

And fecret Paffions labour'd in her Breast. A Not youthful Kings in Battle feiz'd alive, Not fcornful Virgins who their Charms furvive, Not ardent Lovers robb'd of all their Bliss, Not ancient Ladies when refus'd a Kiss, Not Tyrants fierce that unrepenting die, Not Cynthia when her Manteau's pinn'd awry, E'er felt fuch Rage, Refentment and Despair, As thou, fad Virgin! for thy ravish'd Hair.

W

For