Lady Mary Wortley Montagu




On Seeing A Portrait Of Sir Robert Walpole

Such were the lively eyes and rosy hue 
Of Robin's face when first I Robin knew,
The gay Companion and the favorite Guest; 
Lov'd without awe and without views caress’d.
This cheerful Smile, and open honest Look
Added new Graces to the sense he spoke. 
Then every man found something to Commend, 
The pleasant Neighbour and the worthy friend, 
The Generous Master of a private house, 
The tender Father and th’Indulgent Spouse. 
The hardest censors, at the worst believ'd, 
A temper was too easily deceiv'd 
(A consequential ill good-nature draws, 
A bad Effect but from a noble Cause). 
Whence then these clamours of a Judging crowd? 
Suspicious, griping, Insolently proud,
Rapacious, cruel, violent, unjust, 
False to his friend and Traitor to his trust?