THE MISTRESS: OR, SEVERAL COPIES OF LOVE-VERSES. Written by A. COWLEY. VIRG. Æn. 4. -Hæret lateri lethalis arundo. LONDON: Printed for Henry Herringman, at the Sign of the Blew Anchor in the Lower Walk of the New Exchange. 1668. I THE MISTRESS, OR, SEVERAL COPIES OF Love-Verses. The Request. I. 'Have often wisht to love; what shall I do? And I a double task must bear, First to woo him, and then a Mistress too. If thou art any thing besides a name. I'le think Thee else no God to be; But Poets rather Gods, who first created Thee. 2. I ask not one in whom all beauties grow, It stays not dully to inquire the Why. I shall not see with others Eyes, scarce with mine own. 3. If she be coy and scorn my noble fire, And make a Mistress of my own Desire. Flames their most vigorous heat do hold, And purest light, if compast round with cold: So when sharp Winter means most harm, The springing Plants are by the Snow it self kept warm. 4. But do not touch my heart, and so be gone; As great in Love, as in Religion. Come arm'd with flames, for I would prove All the extremities of mighty Love. Th' excess of heat is but a fable ; We know the torrid Zone is now found habitable. 5. Among the Woods and Forrests thou art found, Let Venus, Men; and Beasts, Diana wound. Thou all the Spring their Songs dost hear, 6. What service can mute Fishes do to Thee? The no-great privilege of Captivitie? I beg or challenge here thy Bow; Either thy pity to me, or else thine anger show. 7. Come; or I'll teach the world to scorn that Bow: Nor drink one wretched Lovers tasteful Tear: The Thraldome. I I. Came, I Saw, and was undone ; Lightning did through my bones and marrow run; A swift, cold trembling seiz'd on every part; 2. So a destroying Angels breath Blows in the Plague, and with it hasty Death. 3. But quickly to my Cost I found, 'Twas cruel Love, not Death had made the wound: Death a more generous rage does use; Quarter to all he conquers does refuse. Whilst Love with barbarous mercy saves |