In this song, the speaker gazes at a woman named Alinda — a stand-in for the Duchess of Grafton — and sees a rare convergence of gifts. She isn’t simply beautiful; she possesses an equally brilliant mind, high rank, and great estate, yet carries all of it without stirring envy or blame. The tone is one of steady, almost wondering admiration. Where other beauties might conquer hearts carelessly, Alinda’s charm functions as a shield, not a weapon. She draws everyone to court, but slaughters no one with pride. The poem insists that her loveliness sparks awe rather than a possessive, amorous fire. People admire her as they might applaud a king’s renown without wanting his crown. The mood is calm and idealizing — a portrait of unbeatable elegance that remains somehow gentle, leaving every admirer unharmed and all desire purified into simple reverence.
ON THE Dutchess of Grafton Under the Name of Alinda. — Summary
A SONG.
I. TH'ambitious Eye that seeks alone, Where Beauties Wonders most are shown; Of all that bounteous Heaven displays, Let him on bright Alinda gaze; And in her high Example see, All can admir'd, or wisht-for, be ! II. An unmatch't Form, Mind like endow'd, Estate, and Title great and proud; A Charge Heaven dares to few commit, So few, like her, can manage it; Without all Blame or Envy bear. The being Witty, Great, and Fair !
III. So well these Murd'ring Weapons weild, As first Herself with them to shield, Then slaughter none in proud Disport, Destroy those she invites to Gourt: Great are her Charmes, but Vertue more, She wounds no Hearts, though All adore. IV. 'Tis Am'rous Beauty Love invites, A Passion, like it self, excites: The Paragon, though all admire, Kindles in none a fond desire: No more than those the Kings Renown And State applaud, affect his Crown.