Alexander Pope (1688–1744). Complete Poetical Works. 1903.
Poems: 171827The Curll Miscellanies. VI. On the Countess of Burlington Cutting Paper
P
She would not do the least right thing,
Either for Goddess or for God,
Nor work, nor play, nor paint, nor sing.
So skilful, and those hands so taper;
Do something exquisite and wise—’
She bow’d, obey’d him, and cut paper.
Thought by all Heav’n a burning shame,
What does she next, but bids, on earth,
Her Burlington do just the same.
But sure you ’ll find it hard to spoil
The Sense and Taste of one that bears
The name of Saville and of Boyle.
How quickly all the sex pursue!
See, madam, see the arts o’erthrown
Between John Overton and you!