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? 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, And I would have her seem to others so. 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: 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, 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 |