Chapter 39
Sweet day, so cool, so cairn, so bright, The bridall of the earth and skies.
Only a sweet and virtuous soul, Like seasoned timber, never gives.
SIR JOHN SUCKLING.
1608-1644.
_On a Wedding_.
Her feet beneath her petticoat, Like little mice, stole in and out, As if they feared the light; But oh! she dances such a way!
No sun upon an Easter-day Is half so fine a sight.
Her lips were red, and one was thin, Compared with that was next her chin, Some bee had stung it newly.
_Song_.
Why so pale and wan, fond lover, Prithee, why so pale?
Will, when looking well can't move her, Looking ill prevail?
Prithee, why so pale?
ROBERT HERRICK.
1591-1660.
_The Rock of Rubies, and the Quarrie of Pearls_.
Some asked me where the Rubies grew, And nothing I did say; But with my finger pointed to The lips of Julia.
Some asked how Pearls did grow, and where?
Then spoke I to my Girl, To part her lips, and showed them there The quarelets of Pearl.
_On her Feet_.
Her pretty feet, like snails, did creep A little out, and then, As if they played at Bo-peep, Did soon draw in again.
_To the Virgins to make much of Time_.
Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying, And this same flower, that smiles to-day, To-morrow will be dying.
_Night Piece to Julia_.
Her eyes the glowworm lend thee, The shooting stars attend thee; And the elves also, Whose little eyes glow Like the sparks of fire, befriend thee.
SIR RICHARD LOVELACE.
1618-1658.
_Orpheus to Beasts_.
Oh! could you view the melody Of every grace, And music of her face, You'd drop a tear; Seeing more harmony In her bright eye, Than now you hear.
_To Lucasta on Going to the Wars_.
I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honor more.
_To Althea from Prison_.
Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron barres a cage; Mindes innocent, and quiet, take That for an hermitage.
JAMES s.h.i.+RLEY.
1596-1666.
_Contention of Ajax and Ulysses_.
Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.