'Twas a child that so did thrive In grace and feature, As Heaven and Nature seemed to strive Years he numbered scarce thirteen Yet three filled zodiacs had he been And did act, what now we moan, As, sooth, the Parcæ thought him one, So, by error to his fate They all consented; But viewing him since, alas! too late, And have sought, to give new birth, But being so much too good for earth, LIV. VOLPONE'S SONG. OME my Celia, let us prove, COME While we may, the sports of love; But the sweet theft to reveal: To be taken, to be seen, These have crimes accounted been. LV. D TO CELIA. RINK to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I'll not look for wine. The thirst that from the soul doth rise, But might I of Jove's nectar sup, I sent thee late a rosy wreath, It could not withered be. Since when it grows, and smells, I swear, LVI. I A NYMPH'S PASSION. LOVE, and he loves me again, Yet dare I not tell who; For if the nymphs should know my swain, I fear they'd love him too; Yet if it be not known, The pleasure is as good as none, For that's a narrow joy is but our own. I'll tell, that if they be not glad, They yet may envy me : It were a plague 'bove scorn, And yet it cannot be forborn, Unless my heart would as my thought be torn. He is, if they can find him, fair, And fresh and fragrant too, As summer's sky, or purged air, That are this morning blown ; Yet, yet I doubt he is not known, And fear much more, that more of him be shown. G But he hath eyes so round and bright, As make away my doubt, Where Love may all his torches light What nymph soe'er his voice but hears, Will be my rival, though she have but ears. I'll tell no more, and yet I love, And he loves me; yet no One unbecoming thought doth move But so exempt from blame, As it would be to each a fame, If love or fear would let me tell his name. LVII. IN CELEBRATION OF CHARIS. HER TRIUMPH. EE the chariot at hand here of Love, SEE Wherein my lady rideth! Each that draws is a swan or a dove, And well the car Love guideth. As she goes, all hearts do duty Unto her beauty; |