Ere to the main this morning sun descend. 110 But heaven reveals not what, or how, or where: Warned by the sylph, oh pious maid, beware! This to disclose is all thy guardian can: Beware of all, but most beware of man!" He said; when Shock, who thought she slept too long, 115 Leaped up, and waked his mistress with his tongue; 'Twas then, Belinda, if report say true, Thy eyes first opened on a billet-doux;[390] Wounds, charms, and ardours, were no sooner read, But all the vision vanished from thy head. 120 And now, unveiled, the toilet stands displayed, Each silver vase in mystic order laid. First, robed in white, the nymph intent adores, With head uncovered, the cosmetic pow'rs. A heav'nly image in the glass appears, 125 To that she bends, to that her eyes she rears; Th' inferior priestess, at her altar's side, Trembling begins the sacred rites of pride. Unnumbered treasures ope at once, and here The various off'rings of the world appear;[391] 130 From each she nicely culls with curious toil, And decks the goddess with the glitt'ring spoil. This casket India's glowing gems unlocks, And all Arabia breathes from yonder box. The tortoise here and elephant unite, 135 Transformed to combs, the speckled, and the white. Here files of pins extend their shining rows, Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billets-doux. Now awful beauty puts on all its arms; The fair each moment rises in her charms, 140 Repairs her smiles, awakens ev'ry grace, And calls forth all the wonders of her face; Sees by degrees a purer blush arise, And keener lightnings quicken in her eyes The busy sylphs surround their darling care, 145 These set the head, and those divide the hair,[392] Some fold the sleeve, whilst others plait the gown; And Betty's praised for labours not her own. CANTO II.