Haste them to church: tell them, Love says, Religion breeds but fond delays To lengthen out the tedious days. Chide the slow priest, that so goes on Bid him post o'er his words as fast Now lead the blessed couple home, Maids, dance as nimbly as your blood, The bride possesseth! for I deem But envy not their blest content, The sun is now ready to ride; See how the lusty bridegroom's veins And the fair bride, ready to cry Put out the torch! Love loves no lights: Nor can that sacrifice be done But when they both are met in one. Now you that taste of Hymen's cheer, And let the whispering of your love And in such strict embraces twine, As if you read unto the vine, The ivy, and the columbine. * * Thence may there spring many a pair Methinks already I espy The cradles rock, the babies cry, And drowsy nurses lullaby. SIR ASTON COKAIN Was born of a knightly and ancient family at Ashbourn, in the Peak of Derbyshire, 1608; educated at both the Universities, especially Cambridge, being a fellow-commoner of Trinity College; and having continued for some time at the inns of court "for fashion sake," says Wood, travelled with Sir Kenelm Digby, and married on his return. He lived a studious life upon his estate in Warwickshire, and suffered much during the civil wars for the king's cause, and his religion, which was that of Rome. We are told, he " was esteemed by many an ingenious gentleman, "a good poet, and a great lover of learning; yet by others a perfect boon fellow, by which means he wasted all he "had." He died at Derby, 1683. His "Poems of divers sorts," appeared in 1658, and had various titles (Vide Gentleman's Magazine for 1797.) They may perhaps be consulted with advantage by those who search after anecdotes of contemporary characters, or pictures of their manners. The following appeared the most advantageous specimen of his poetry. To Plautia. AWAY, fond thing! tempt me no more! Thy starry eyes can look upon, And be mine own when I have done : Can view the garden of thy cheeks, From thee no lover go away. |