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From “The Rape of the Lock,” Canto I.
AND now, unveiled, the toilet stands displayed, | |
| Each silver vase in mystic order laid. | |
| First, robed in white, the nymph intent adores, | |
| With head uncovered, the cosmetic powers. | |
| A heavenly image in the glass appears, | 5 |
| To that she bends, to that her eyes she rears; | |
| The inferior priestess, at her altar’s side, | |
| Trembling begins the sacred rites of pride. | |
| Unnumbered treasures ope at once, and here | |
| The various offerings of the world appear; | 10 |
| For each she nicely culls with curious toil, | |
| And decks the goddess with the glittering spoil. | |
| This casket India’s glowing gems unlocks, | |
| And all Arabia breathes from yonder box. | |
| The tortoise here and elephant unite, | 15 |
| Transformed to combs, the speckled and the white. | |
| Here files of pins extend their shining rows, | |
| Puffs, powders, patches, bibles, billets-doux. | |
| Now awful beauty puts on all its arms; | |
| The fair each moment rises in her charms, | 20 |
| Repairs her smiles, awakens every 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, | 25 |
| These set the head, and those divide the hair, | |
| Some fold the sleeve, while others plait the gown; | |
| And Betty’s praised for labors not her own. | |
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