The Rape of the Lock

Then flash’d the living Lightnings from her Eyes,
And Screams of Horror rend th’ affrighted Skies.
Not louder Shrieks to pitying Heav’n are cast,
When Husbands, or when Lapdogs breath their last,

An Ace of Hearts steps forth : The King unseen

He takes the Gift with rev‘rence, and extends
The little Engine on his Fingers’ Ends ;

Sent up in Vapours to the Baron’s Brain
New Stratagems, the radiant Lock to gain.

He springs to Vengeance with an eager Pace,
And falls like Thunder on the prostrate Ace.

Lurk’d in her Hand, and mourn’d his captive Queen.

Belinda now, whom Thirst of Fame invites,
Burns to encounter two adventrous Knights,
At Ombre singly to decide their Doom ;