Mercy Otis Warren

“ But nations pouring from their frozen dens, Rough, naked boors, from every northern wild, Untutor'd, or by nature, or by art, With scarce a trait that speaks the species man, Except the semblance of the human form, Must be the chosen scourge, by heaven design'd, To chasten Rome for that tyrannick sway Usurp'd and stretch'd o'er all her wide domain, And proudly held by her remorseless sword; Her insolence, her stubbornness of soul, That trod down nations, trampled on the necks Of mighty kings, and taught her weaker foes. ”

“ Ætius
'Mongst the long list of celebrated names, Matrons of ancient or of modern fame, None boasts a fairer claim to virtue's palm Than the discreet, the excellent Ardelia; Nor can she forfeit by a shameful fall That modesty, and grace, and decent pride, That dignifies, nor less adorns, the sex. Leo
Yet heavenly virtue, or angelick worth, May fall the victim of a wanton wish, When power lends its iron hand to guilt. ”

“ Though Valentinian doats on beauty's charms, Ardelia must be safe: True virtue checks A bold licentious wish, and guards the fair; He durst not drag an angel to his bed. Maximus
As truth and virtue dignifi'd my bliss, The gods alone who judge of spotless worth, Must clear her fame, and vindicate my own; Or let their vengeance pour in dreadful peals Their heated bolts---till chosen curses fall, In blasts distinguish'd, on the emperor's head. ”