How we cite our quotes: (Canto.Line)
Quote #1
Oh say what stranger Cause, yet unexplor'd,
Cou'd make a gentle Belle reject a Lord?
In Tasks so bold, can Little Men engage,
and in soft Bosoms dwells such Mighty Rage? (I.9–12)
Back to this quote from the poem's beginning again, but it's such a good one. Notice how the speaker grants to women "Mighty Rage"—more than a match for "Little Men," we think.
Quote #2
First, rob'd in White, the Nymph intent adores
With Head uncover'd, the cosmetic Pow'rs.
A heav'nly Image in the Glass appears,
To that she bends, to that her Eyes she rears; (I.123–126)
Belinda's getting ready for the party, putting on makeup and doing her hair. Think of it as a spin on the old "mirror mirror on the wall" scene from fairy tales. Belinda quite obviously worships her own face. What old-fashioned thinker said "Vanity, thy name is woman"? (Probably a man.)
Quote #3
Her lively Looks a sprightly Mind disclose,
Quick as her Eyes, and as unfix'd as those:
Favours to none, to all she Smiles extends,
Oft she rejects, but never once offends. (II.9–12)
This quote falls at the beginning of Canto II, when Belinda's on her way to the party, in a fantastic mood—nice to everything and everyone. Okay, so Belinda's not very capable of focusing. On anything or any one. But hey, at least she doesn't piss anyone off.