Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, OF MODESTY, SELECTION, by MARY MOLLINEUX


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OF MODESTY, SELECTION, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Thus modesty, and spotless innocence
Last Line: The heart, where vertue should prevail and reign.
Subject(s): Beauty; Modesty; Virginity; Vestals


Thus Modesty, and Spotless Innocence,
Is often to its self a sure Defence.
This is the Virgin's Ornament, whereby
Beauty's adorned; for this doth Beautify,
Where fading Colours flourish not, and may
Be term'd a Dow'r, whose Worth shall ne'er decay.
Sure Men, as Men, cannot forget to prize it;
Tho' some, as Bruits, not minding it, despise it...

Nor let it seem to any sober Mind
A Paradox, that Modesty should find
A place in either Sex, altho' it be
Ascribed to the one peculiarly.
Reason, that honours Mankind more than Beast,
Gives forth its Laws and Dictates in each Breast;
Vertue should therefore in both Sexes dwell;
Some may in these, and some in those excel:
Yet this, with many more, are not confin'd
To either solely; but the prudent Mind
In both embrace it; for it Regulates
Deportment both in high and low Estates:
For where she dwells, insulting Arrogance,
Or any unbecoming Confidence,
Must not remain, lest these defile and stain
The Heart, where Vertue should prevail and reign.




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