By an Unknown Hand. To the Most Ingenious Mrs Haywood, on Her Novel Entitled, Love in Excess
A Stranger Muse, an Unbeliever too,
That Womens Souls such Strength of Vigour knew!
Nor less an Atheist to Love’s Power declar’d,
Till You a Champion for the Sex appear’d!
A Convert now, to both, I feel that Fire
Your Words alone can paint! Your Looks inspire!
Resistless now, Love’s shafts new pointed fly,
Wing’d with Your Flame, and blazing in Your Eye.
With sweet, but pow’rful Force, the Charm-shot Heart
Receives th’ Impression of the Conqu’ring Dart,
And ev’ry Art’ry huggs the Joy-tipt Smart!
No more of Phœbus, rising vainly boast,
Ye tawny Sons of a luxuriant Coast!
While our blest Isle is with such Rays replete,
Britain shall glow with more than Eastern Heat!