Virgo

But modest Virgo's Rays give polisht parts,* 1.16

And fill Mens Breasts with Honesty and Arts;

No tricks for Gain, nor love of Wealth dispense,

But piercing Thoughts, and winning Eloquence;

With words persuasive, and with Rhetorick strong

They rule, and are e'en Monarchs by their Tongue.

Through Nature's Secrets too, they boldly press,

Tho' deeply hid, and meet a just success;

In Short-Hand skill'd, where little Marks comprise,

Whole words, a Sentence in a Letter lies;

And whilst Obedient hands their Aid afford,

Prevent the Tongue, and Fix the falling Word.

But bashful Modesty, casts down their Eyes,

The best of Vices, yet 'tis still a Vice,

Because it stifles, checks, or nips like Frost

A blooming Vertue, and the Fruit is lost.

Besides, though strange such Influence should come

From Virgo's Rays, she gives a fruitful Womb.

-Manilius, translated by Thomas Creech