Impromptu

In vain you boast poetic names of yore,

And cite those Sapphos we admire no more:

Fate doomed the fall of every female wit;

But doomed it then, when first Ardelia writ.

Of all examples by the world confessed,

I knew Ardelia could not quote the best;

Who, like her mistress on Britannia’s throne,

Fights and subdues in quarrels not her own.

To write their praise you but in vain essay;

Even while you write, you take that praise away.

Light to the stars the sun does thus restore,

But shines himself till they are seen no more.