When, join'd in one, the good, the sair, the great,
Descend to view the Muses' humble seat,
Tho' in mean lines they their vast joys declare,
Yet for sincerity and truth they dare
With your own Tasso's mighty self compare.
Then, bright and merciful as Heav'n receive
From them such praises as to Heav'n they give;
Their praises for that gentle influence
Which those auspicious lights, your eyes, dispense;
Those radiant eyes, whose irresistless flame
Strikes Envy dumb, and keeps Sedition tame:
They can to gazing multitudes give law,
Convert the factious, and the rebel awe:
They conquer for the Duke; where'er you tread
Millions of proselytes behind are led:
Thro' crowds of new-made converts still yon go,
Pleas'd and triumphant at the glorious show.
Happy that prince who has in you obtain'd
A greater conquest than his arms e'er gain'd:
With all war's rage he may abroad o'ercome,
But love's a gentler victory at home:
Securely here he on that face relies,
Lays by his arms, and conquers with your eyes,
And all the glorious actions of his life
Thinks well rewarded, bless'd with such a wife.