Phryne had talents for mankind, <br />Open she was, and unconfin'd, <br />Like some free port of trade: <br />Merchants unloaded here their freight, <br />And Agents from each foreign state, <br />Here first their entry made. <br /> <br />Her learning and good breeding such, <br />Whether th' Italian or the Dutch, <br />Spaniards or French came to her: <br />To all obliging she'd appear: <br /> <br />'Twas <br />Si Signior <br />, 'twas <br />Yaw Mynheer <br />, <br />'Twas <br />S'il vous plaist, Monsieur. <br /> <br />Obscure by birth, renown'd by crimes, <br />Still changing names, religions, climes, <br />At length she turns a Bride: <br />In di'monds, pearls, and rich brocades, <br />She shines the first of batter'd jades, <br />And flutters in her pride. <br /> <br />So have I known those Insects fair <br />(Which curious Germans hold so rare) <br />Still vary shapes and dyes; <br />Still gain new Titles with new forms; <br />First grubs obscene, then wriggling worms, <br />Then painted butterflies.<br /><br />Alexander Pope<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/phyrne/
