Constancy Melting joys about her move, Killing pleasures, wounding blisses; She can dress her eyes in love, And her lips can arm with kisses. Angels listen when she speaks; She's my delight, all mankind's wonder; But my jealous heart would break Should we live one day asunder. 61 I CONSTANCY I CANNOT change as others do, Though you unjustly scorn; Since that poor swain that sighs for you For you alone was born. No, Phillis, no; your heart to move.........? { A surer way I'll try; for, And, to revenge my slighted love, 3 Will still love on and die. + When killed with grief Amyntas lies, And you to mind shall call The sighs that now unpitied rise, The tears that vainly fall- That welcome hour, that ends this smart, Will then begin your pain; For such a faithful tender heart Can never break in vain. SONG John Wilmot [1647-1680] Too late, alas! I must confess, You need not arts to move me; Such charms by nature you possess, 'Twere madness not to love ye. Then spare a heart you may surprise, SONG John Wilmot [1647-1680] COME, Celia, let's agree at last To love and live in quiet; That time shall ne'er untie it. When least I seemed concerned I took No pleasure, nor had rest; And when I feigned an angry look, Alas! I loved you best. Say but the same to me, you'll find How blest will be our fate; Sure to be grateful, to be kind, Can never be too late.. John Sheffield [1648-1721) "Twould learn of yours the winning art, And quickly steal the rest. Thomas Otway [1652-1685] SONG ONLY tell her that I love: Leave the rest to her and Fate: Some kind planet from above May perhaps her pity move: Lovers on their stars must wait. Only tell her that I love! Why, O why should I despair! Mercy's pictured in her eye: John Cutts [1661-1707] "FALSE THOUGH SHE BE" FALSE though she be to me and love, I'll ne'er pursue revenge; Though I deplore her change. In hours of bliss we oft have met: William Congreve [1670-1729] TO SILVIA From "The Cautious Lovers," SILVIA, let us from the crowd retire, For what to you and me (Who but each other do desire) Is all that here we see? Apart we'll live, though not alone; Those who in deserts live with one The world a vast meander is, Where hearts confusedly stray; Where few do hit, whilst thousands miss, The happy mutual way. Anne Finch? -1720] "WHY, LOVELY CHARMER” In vain you strive with all your art, So sweet a look, so soft an air, Unknown A Song To Amoret 615 AGAINST INDIFFERENCE MORE love or more disdain I crave; O send me quickly to my grave, Or else afford me more content! Or love or hate me more or less, For love abhors all lukewarmness. 1 Give me a tempest if 'twill drive Charles Webbe [c. 1678] A SONG TO AMORET IF I were dead, and, in my place, To warm thee, with new fires; and grace Were he as faithful as the Sun, That's wedded to the Sphere; His blood as chaste and temperate run, Or were he rich; and, with his heap (No! though he should be thine!), The mighty Amorist could give So rich a heart as mine! |