Samuel Johnson

Samuel Johnson
An Evening Ode- Stella in Mourning

When, lately, Stella's form displayed
The beauties of the gay brocade,
The nymphs, who found their pow'r decline,
Proclaim'd her, not so fair as fine.
'Fate! Snatch away the bright disguise,
And let the godess trust her eyes'.
Thus blindly pray'd the fretful fair,
And fate malicious heard the pray'r.
But brightened by the sable dress,
As virtue rises in distress,
Aince Stella still extends her reign,
Ah! How shall envy sooth her pain?
Th'adoring youth, and envious fair,
Henceforth shall form one common pray'r,
And Love and Hate alike implore
The skies, that Stella mourn no more.