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Algus, or Ptolemy, or Euclid,

From whom scarce anything was hid,

In vain might exercise their wit,

Therefrom would grow small benefit,

Though they should boldly undertake

Research profound and long to make.

Nay, e’en Pygmalion might essay

In vain her fairness to portray;

Parrhasius and Apelles eke,

Great masters both, might vainly seek

Her wondrous beauties to express,

And show forth all her loveliness;

Nor Polycletus nor Myron

Her faultless form by art have shown.

EUXIS, the painter, strove in vain.

That he might Nature’s skill attain,

Who one time did for models take

Five virgins, who for beauty’s sake

Had all comparison defied,

(Although their equals far and wide

Were sought, who for perfection rare

Of body might with them compare,)

When would he for the temple paint

A picture that might scorn complaint