Alexander Pope

We conquered France, but felt our captive's charms,
Her arts victorious triumph'd o'er our arms.

We conquered France, but felt our captive's charms,
Her arts victorious triumph'd o'er our arms.

I was not born for Courts or great affairs;
I pay my debts, believe, and say my pray'rs.

I was not born for Courts or great affairs;
I pay my debts, believe, and say my pray'rs.

Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit read more

Expression is the dress of thought, and still
Appears more decent as more suitable;
A vile conceit in pompous words express'd,
Is like a clown in regal purple dress'd.

In cold December fragrant chaplets blow,
And heavy harvests nod beneath the snow.

In cold December fragrant chaplets blow,
And heavy harvests nod beneath the snow.

No silver saints, by dying misers giv'n,
Here brib'd the rage of ill-requited heav'n;
But such plain read more

No silver saints, by dying misers giv'n,
Here brib'd the rage of ill-requited heav'n;
But such plain roofs as Piety could raise,
And only vocal with the Maker's praise.