If fair SERENA could no more sustain, Her boasted triumphs were but weak and vain: A midnight revel by her Sire deny'd; Her fame by dark malevolence decry'd; And last, still less her patience to require, Insulted by a Coxcomb's jealous ire: The heroine, Bard, such ills might well endure, In duty, innocence, and love secure! Besides, the Talisman, with guardian pow'r, Alarms the Maid in ev'ry yielding hour; Yet in her breast such angry passions swell, As almost break the Fairy's potent spell. Go, form for DELIA trials most severe, Good-temper's genuine charm will then appear, And all the virtues that to her belong May animate the Muse's noblest song. T.
