George Wither
Published: 2013-09
Total Pages: 52
Get eBook
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1840 edition. Excerpt: ...I had a world to do, E'r I could set up my rest, Where to chuse, and chuse the best. One I saw, whose hair excelled, On another's brow there dwelled Such a majesty, it seemed She was best to be esteemed. This, had with her speeches won me That, with silence, had undone me. On her lips, the graces hung; Th'other charm'd me with her tongue. In her eyes, a third did bear, That which did anew ensnare. Then a fourth did fairer shew 5 Yet, wherein I did not know. Only this perceived I, Somewhat pleas'd my fantasie. Now, the wealth I most esteem'd; Honour then, I better deem'd. Next, the love of beauty seiz'd me, And then, virtue better pleas'd me. Juno's love, I nought esteem'd, Whilst a Venus fairer seem'd; Nay, both could not me suffice, Whilst a Pallas was more wise. Though I found enough in one To content, if still alone. Amarillis, I did woo; And I courted Phillis too. Daphne, for her love, I chose; Cloris, for that damask rose In her cheek, I held as dear; Yea, a thousand lik'd well near. And, in love with all together, Feared the enjoying either; 'Cause to be of one possest, Barr'd the hope of all the rest. Thus I fondly fear'd, till fate, Which (I must confess in that Did a greater favor to me, L a Than the world can malice do me) Shew'd to me that matchless flower, Subject for this song of our. Whose perfection having eyed, Reason instantly espied; That desire (which rang'd abroad) There would find a period. And no marvel, if it might, For it there hath all delight, And in her hath nature placed What each several fair one graced. Nor am I alone delighted With those graces all united, Which the sense's eve doth find Scattered throughout womankind;, But my reason finds perfections To enflame my soul's affections. Yea, such virtues...
