Advice to Women, against Female Pride

THE Gods because they're good, we' invoke
With their own gifts their Altars smoak;
'Tis not the pain and smart we feel
Which makes their suppliant Creatures kneel;
'Tis not their Arbitrary sway
Makes us implore what we obey.
For were I sure that what I want,
They would not hear, or would not grant,
No not to them I would not pray.

Much less to you, whom to beguile,
We Goddesses or Angels style;
Whom to Debauch Divine we call,
And make you proud, to make you fall.
Titles which we on you bestow,
Our own Despotick power may show.
The very names that make you vain,
Prove your subjection and our reign;
For 'tis from Kings that Honours flow.

Your glory upon us depends,
Begun by us, by us it ends.
Woman by nature's law's a slave,
Man may resume what e're he gave.
Your power, to which our wills give date,
We can confound who could create.
Hear this, and laugh at your own Pride,
Which all but easie Fops deride;
Be humble, if you would be Great.