IN what esteem did the gods hold Fair Innocence and the chaste bed, When scandall'd Virtue might be bold Bare-foot upon sharp coulters, spread O'er burning coals, to march; yet feel Nor scorching fire nor piercing steel! Why, when the hard-edg'd iron did turn Soft as a bed of roses blown, When cruel flames forgot to burn Their chaste pure limbs, should man alone 'Gainst female innocence conspire, Harder than steel, fiercer than fire? Oh, hapless sex! Unequal sway Of partial honour! Who may know Rebels from subjects that obey, When malice can on vestals throw Disgrace, and fame fix high repute On the close shameless prostitute? Vain Honour! thou art but disguise, A cheating voice, a juggling art; No judge of Virtue, whose pure eyes Court her own image in the heart, More pleas'd with her true figure there Than her false echo in the ear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...STREET-CRIES: 7. A SONG OF LOVE by SIDNEY LANIER DEAF HOUSE AGENT by KATHERINE MANSFIELD THE NEW APOCRYPHA: BERENICE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS GEORGE MOORE by MARIANNE MOORE A VOICE FROM THE SWEAT-SHOPS (A HYMN WITH RESPONSES) by LOUIS UNTERMEYER |