Critical Essay | Poem by Kendrick

Poem by Kendrick

SOURCE: "To Mrs. B. on Her Poems," in Lycidus; or, The Lover in Fashion, Together with a Miscellany of New Poems by Aphra Behn et al., Joseph Knight and Francis Saunders, 1688, n.p.

In the following poem, Kendrick praises Behn in exalted terms, likening her to a goddess and declaring her verse superior to that of Orinda (Katherine Philips), Sappho, and even Ovid.

     To Mrs. B. on Her Poems

Hail, Beauteous Prophetess, in whom alone,
Of all your fair Heav'ns master-piece is shewn.
For wondrous skill it argues, wondrous care,
Where two such Stars in first conjunction are.
A Brain so Glorious, and a Face so fair,
Two Goddesses in your composure joyn'd.
Nothing but Goddess cou'd, you're so refin'd,
Bright Venus Body gave, Minerva Mind.

How soft and fine your manly numbers flow,
Soft as your Lips, and smooth as is your brow.
Gentle as Air, bright as the Noon-days sky,
Clear as your skin, and charming as your Eye....
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