AWAY they went, and Gyges much admired; Still more than that: in truth his breast was fired; For when she moved astonishment was great, And ev'ry grace upon her seemed to wait. Emotion to suppress howe'er he tried, Since he had promised what he felt to hide; To hold his tongue he wished, but that might raise Suspicions of designs and mystick ways. Exaggeration was the better part, And from the subject he would never start, But fully praised each beauty in detail, Without appearing any thing to veil. Gods! Gyges cried, how truly, king, you're blessed; The skin how fair--how charming all the rest! THIS am'rous conversation by the queen Was never heard, or she'd enraged have been; In ancient days of ignorance, we find, The sex, to show resentment, much inclined; In diff'rent light at present this appears, And fulsome praises ne'er offend their ears. OUR arch observer struggled with his sighs Those feelings much increased, so fair the prize: The prince, in doubt, conducted him away; But in his heart a hundred arrows lay; Each magick charm directed pointed darts; To flee were useless: LOVE such pain imparts, That nothing can at times obstruct its course; So quick the flight: so truly great the force. WHILE near the king, much caution Gyges showed; But soon the belle perceived his bosom glowed; She learned the cause:--her spouse the tale disclosed, And laughed and jeered, as he the facts exposed: A silly blockhead! not to know a queen Could raillery not bear on such a scene. But had it pleased her wishes, still 'twere right (Such honour's dictates) to discover spite; And this she truly did, while in her mind, To be revenged she fully was inclined. FOR once, good reader, I should wish thee wife; Or otherwise, thou never can'st in life, Conceive the lengths a woman oft will go, Whose breast is filled with wrath and secret woe. A mortal was allowed these charms to view, Which others' eyes could never dare pursue. Such treasures were for gods, or rather kings The privilege of both are beauteous things.