SIR, Since you have been pleas'd this night to unbend Your serious thoughts, and with your person lend Your palace out, and so are hither come A stranger, in your own house not at home; Divesting state, as if you meant alone To make your servant's loyal heart your throne: Oh, see how wide these valves themselves display To entertain his royal guests! survey What arcs triumphal, statues, altars, shrines, Inscrib'd to your great names, he these assigns: So from that stock of zeal, his coarse cates may Borrow some relish, though but thinly they Cover'd his narrow table: so may these Succeeding trifles by that title please. Else, gracious Madam, must the influence Of your fair eyes propitious beams dispense, To crown such pastimes as he could provide To oil the lazy minutes as they slide. For well he knows upon your smile depends This night success; since that alone commends All his endeavours, gives the music praise, Painters and us, and gilds your poet's bays. |