The Virginia Gazette

On a young Lady in the Country.

WHILE curious Chloe covets whisper'd News,
And Teraminta Subject matter brews;
While keen Thaltris, eager to engage,
Deals Censures all around, and brands the Age;
In Peace FIDELIA cultivates her Mind,
And forms a Taste above her Sex refin'd:
Nor envies, nor endures the clamorous Scene,
Nor knows what such outrageous Criticks mean.
Stella employs her Minutes as they flow,
In lighting up her Charms for daily Show;
Lets all Affairs of Life neglected pass,
To worship one dear Idol in her Glass.
Not thus FIDELIA manages her Time,
Tho' Fair, and but advancing to her Prime:
Of Beauty not regardless; yet inclin'd
To Beauty of a more exalted Kind:
Wisdom's bright Form her pure Affection fires,
As there she points her elegant Desires.
In gorgeous Robes magnificently gay,
See how Belinda glares from Day to Day!
To Pomp no less devoted, Daphne shines,
Deck'd with the Plunder of Peruvian Mines.
These glittering Trinkets tempt our Nymph in vain;
Worn without Joy, and wanted without Pain.
The Cares of Dress FIDELIA inward turns,
And with a nobler Emulation burns:
Fair Virtue's Charms adorn her spotless Breast:
What Belle was e'er so fine, or half so blest?