Lines

Written in 'Letters of an Italian nun and an English gentleman: by J. J. Rousseau: founded on facts.'

Away, away your flattering arts,
May now betray some simpler hearts;
And you will smile at their believing,
And they shall weep at your deceiving.

Answer to the foregoing, addressed to Miss -.

Dear, simple girl, those flattering arts,
From which thou'dst guard frail female hearts,
Exist but in imagination, -
Mere phantoms of thine own creation;
For he who views that witching grace,
That perfect form, that lovely face,
With eyes admiring, oh! believe me,
He never wishes to deceive thee:
Once in thy polish'd mirror glance,
Thou'lt there descry that elegance
Which from our sex demands such praises,
But envy in the other raises:
Then he who tells thee of thy beauty,
Believe me, only does his duty:
Ah! fly not from the candid youth;
It is not flattery, - ‘tis truth.

poem by Byron (1804)
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
Vote! | Copy!