Before, or in, Their Work, Part 2

See from the world's politest school
The goddess rise, mankind to rule,
As born for her alone!
Unclogg'd by thought, she issues forth,
And, justly conscious of her worth,
Ascends her gaudy throne.

With lust of fame and pleasure fired,
The virgin shines, caress'd, admired.

And idolized by all:
Obedient to her dread command,
Around her throne the votaries stand.
Or at her footstool fall.

Prostrate before the idol's shrine,
They celebrate her charms divine,
Her beauty's awful power;
By brutal appetite inspired,
By passion urged, by Satan hired.
To damn whom they adore.
Eager she drinks their praises in.
Repeats the heaven-invading sin,
And seems with gods to dwell.

Triumphant, till her hour is past,
And quite undeified at last
The sinner sinks to hell.