Impromptu to Lady Winchelsea

In vain you boast Poetic Names of yore,

And cite those Sapho's we admire no more:

Fate doom'd the Fall of ev'ry Female Wit,

But doom'd it then when first Ardelia writ.

Of all Examples by the World confest,

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.