Page:The Works of the Rev. Jonathan Swift, Volume 7.djvu/116

104 What preachers talk, or sages write; These I will gather and unite, And represent them to mankind Collected in that infant's mind. This said, she plucks in Heaven's high bowers A sprig of amaranthine flowers. In nectar thrice infuses bays, Three times refin'd in Titan's rays; Then calls the Graces to her aid, And sprinkles thrice the newborn maid: From whence the tender skin assumes A sweetness above all perfumes: From whence a cleanliness remains, Incapable of outward stains: From whence that decency of mind, So lovely in the female kind, Where not one careless thought intrudes, Less modest than the speech of prudes; Where never blush was call'd in aid, That spurious virtue in a maid, A virtue but at second hand; They blush, because they understand. The Graces next would act their part, And show'd but little of their art; Their work was half already done, The child with native beauty shone; The outward form no help requir'd: Each, breathing on her thrice, inspir'd That gentle, soft, engaging air, Which in old times adorn'd the fair: And said, "Vanessa be the name By which thou shalt be known to fame: Vanessa, by the gods enroll'd: Her name on earth shall not be told." But