Gay rainbow silks her mellow charms infold,

And nought of Lyce but herself is old.

Her grizzled locks assume a smirking grace,

And art has levell'd her deep-furrow'd face.

Her strange demand no mortal can approve,

We'll ask her blessing, but can't ask her love.

She grants, indeed, a lady may decline

(All ladies but herself) at ninety-nine.

O how unlike her is the sacred age

Of prudent Portia! her gray hairs engage;