| And now, unveil'd, the toilet stands display'd, | |
| Each silver vase in mystic order laid. | |
| First, rob'd in white, the nymph intent adores | |
| With head uncover'd, the cosmetic pow'rs. | |
| A heav'nly image in the glass appears, | |
| To that she bends, to that her eyes she rears; | |
| Th' inferior priestess, at her altar's side, | |
| Trembling, begins the sacred rites of pride. | |
| Unnumber'd treasures ope at once, and here | |
| The various off'rings of the world appear; | |
| From each she nicely culls with curious toil, | |
| And decks the goddess with the glitt'ring spoil. | |
| This casket India's glowing gems unlocks, | |
| And all Arabia breathes from yonder box. | |
| The tortoise here and elephant unite, | |
| Transform'd to combs, the speckled and the white. | |
| Here files of pins extend their shining rows, | |
| Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billet-doux. | |
| Now awful beauty puts on all its arms; | |
| The fair each moment rises in her charms, | |
| Repairs her smiles, awakens ev'ry grace, | |
| And calls forth all the wonders of her face; | |
| Sees by degrees a purer blush arise, | |
| And keener lightnings quicken in her eyes. | |
| The busy Sylphs surround their darling care; | |
| These set the head, and those divide the hair, | |
| Some fold the sleeve, whilst others plait the gown; | |
| And Betty's prais'd for labours not her own. | |
