Ye gentle Nymphs and generous Dames, <br />That rule o'er every British mind! <br />Be sure ye soothe their amorous flames, <br />Be sure your laws are not unkind: <br /> <br />For hard it is to wear their bloom <br />In unremitting sighs away; <br />To mourn the night's oppressive gloom, <br />And faintly bless the rising day. <br /> <br />And cruel 'twere a freeborn swain, <br />A British youth, should vainly moan; <br />Who, scornful of a tyrant's chain, <br />Submits to yours, and yours alone. <br /> <br />Nor pointed spear, nor links of steel, <br />Could e'er those gallant minds subdue, <br />Who Beauty's wounds with pleasure feel, <br />And boast the fetters wrought by you.<br /><br />William Shenstone<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/song-iii-ye-gentle-nymphs-and-generous-dames/
