The Rape of the Lock and Other Poems Part 43

"Restore the lock!" she cries; and all around "Restore the lock!" the vaulted roofs rebound.

Not fierce Oth.e.l.lo in so loud a strain 150 Roared for the handkerchief that caused his pain.

But see how oft ambitious aims are crossed, And chiefs contend till all the prize is lost!

The lock, obtained with guilt, and kept with pain, In ev'ry place is sought, but sought in vain: 155 With such a prize no mortal must be blessed, So heav'n decrees! with heav'n who can contest?

Some thought it mounted to the lunar sphere, Since all that man e'er lost is treasured there.

 

There heroes' wits are kept in pond'rous vases, 160 And beaux' in snuff-boxes and tweezer-cases.

There broken vows, and death-bed alms are found, And lovers' hearts with ends of ribbon bound, The courtier's promises, and sick man's pray'rs, The smiles of harlots, and the tears of heirs, 165 Cages for gnats, and chains to yoke a flea, Dried b.u.t.terflies, and tomes of casuistry.

But trust the muse--she saw it upward rise, Though marked by none but quick poetic eyes: (Thus Rome's great founder to the heav'ns withdrew, 170 To Proculus alone confessed in view) A sudden star, it shot through liquid air, And drew behind a radiant trail of hair.

Not Berenice's locks first rose so bright, The skies bespangling with dishevelled light. 175 This the beau monde shall from the Mall survey, } As through the moonlight shade they nightly stray, } And hail with music its propitious ray; } This Partridge soon shall view in cloudless skies, When next he looks through Galileo's eyes; 180 And hence th' egregious wizard shall foredoom The fate of Louis, and the fall of Rome.

Then cease, bright nymph! to mourn thy ravished hair, Which adds new glory to the s.h.i.+ning sphere!

Not all the tresses that fair head can boast, 185 Shall draw such envy as the lock you lost.

For after all the murders of your eye, When, after millions slain, yourself shall die; When those fair suns shall set, as set they must, And all those tresses shall be laid in dust, 190 This lock the muse shall consecrate to fame, And 'midst the stars inscribe Belinda's name.