She had “Clarissa” for her heart’s dear friend—
Was pleased each well-tried virtue to commend.
And praised the scenes that one might fairly doubt
If one so young could know so much about.
Pious and pure, th’ heroic beauty strove
Against the lover and against the love; 70
But strange that maid so young should know the strife,
In all its views, was painted to the life!
Belinda knew not—nor a tale would read,
That could so slowly on its way proceed;