In heaven itself thou sure wert drest And see my joy with closed eyes. But ah! this image is too kind Never put on that sweet extreme. ; Fair dream, if thou intend'st me grace, Pale, wan, and meagre let it look, Then to that matchless nymph appear, In whose shape thou shinest so, Softly in her sleeping ear, With humble words express my woe. Perhaps from greatness, state, and pride, AM. [MARVELL.] COME, little infant, love me now, Clear thine aged father's brow Pretty, surely, 'twere to see By young Love old Time beguil'd, While our sportings are as free As the nurse's with the child. Common beauties stay fifteen, Such as yours should swifter move, Whose fair blossoms are too green Yet for lust, but not for love. Love as much the snowy lamb, As the lusty bull or ram, Now then love me, time may take And learn love before we may. So we win of doubtful Fate; Thus as kingdoms frustrating So to make all rivals vain Now I crown thee with my love; Crown me with thy love again, And we both shall monarchs prove. A SIGH. GENTLE air, thou breath of lovers, Vapour from a secret fire, Which by thee itself discovers, Ere yet daring to aspire. Softest note of whisper'd anguish, Harmony's refined part, Striking, while thou seem'st to languish, Full upon the list'ners heart. Safest messenger of passion, Stealing thro' a cloud of spies, Which constrain the outward fashion, Close the lips, and guard the eyes. Shapeless sigh, we ne'er can show thee, Yet ere to their cost they know thee, SHE [COWLEY.] HE loves, and she confesses too; Enter the town which thou hast won. What's this, ye gods, what can it be? Remains there still an enemy? Bold honour stands up in the gate, And would yet capitulate. Have I o'ercome all real foes, And shall this phantom me oppose? Noisy nothing, stalking shade, But I shall find out counter charms, Sure I shall rid myself of thee By the night's obscurity, Unlike to every other spright, [SUCKLING.] 'Tis now since I sat down before That foolish fort, a heart, (Time strangely spent) a year and more, And still I did my part. Made my approaches, from her hand Unto her lip did rise, And did already understand The language of her eyes. |