Page:Works of Voltaire Volume 36.djvu/294



, how much the times are changed, Since in a hack the town you ranged, Since without finery or train you shone, Conspicuous for your charms alone; When though you supped on sorry fare, You nectar seemed with gods to share. You foolishly to one consigned Beauty which might charm all mankind: A desperate lover, who for life Engaged you when he made his wife. You then no treasure did inherit, Your beauty was your only merit, Your bosom charms divine displayed; There Cupid still an ambush laid; Your heart was tender, and your mind To youthful frolics much inclined. With so many charms endued, What woman e'er could be a prude? That fault, oh! beauty all divine, Was very far from being thine; Because of favors you were free, You were the better liked by me. How differently you live, grown great, Your life is but the farce of state;