Anne Finch, The Introduction

About the text

Did I, my lines intend for publick view,


The name of Witt, only by finding fault.
True judges, might condemn their want of witt,
Alas! a woman that attempts the pen,
Such an intruder on the rights of men,

Good breeding, fassion, dancing, dressing, play
To write, or read, or think, or to enquire

Whilst the dull mannage, of a servile house
Is held by some, our outmost art, and use.

To whom, by the diffusive hand of Heaven
Some share of witt, and poetry was given.

The joyfull Tribes, attend itt on the way,
The Levites do the sacred Charge convey,
Here, holy Virgins in the Concert joyn,
The louder notes, to soften, and refine,
And with alternate verse, compleat the Hymn Devine.
Loe! the yong Poet, after Gods own heart,
By Him inspired, and taught the Muses Art,
That sing his slayn ten thousand in the streets.
In such loud numbers they his acts declare,
Proclaim the wonders, of his early war,
That Saul upon the vast applause does frown,
And feels, itts mighty thunder shake the Crown.

The fairest half, whose influence guides the rest,

She fights, she wins, she tryumphs with a song,
Devout, Majestick, for the subject fitt,
And far above her arms, exalts her witt,
Then, to the peacefull, shady Palm withdraws,


And if some one, would Soar above the rest,


Conscious of wants, still with contracted wing,

Be dark enough thy shades, and be thou there content.