Alexander Pope (1688–1744). Complete Poetical Works. 1903.
Poems: 170812Impromptu to Lady Winchilsea
I
And cite those Sapphos we admire no more:
Fate doom’d the fall of every female wit;
But doom’d it then, when first Ardelia writ.
Of all examples by the world confess’d,
I knew Ardelia could not quote the best;
Who, like her mistress on Britannia’s throne,
Fights and subdues in quarrels not her own.
To write their praise you but in vain essay:
Ev’n while you write, you take that praise away.
Light to the stars the sun does thus restore,
But shines himself till they are seen no more.