How happy here should I, And one dear she, live, and embracing die? She who is all the world, and can exclude In desarts solitude. [From "The Inconstant."] I NEVER yet could see that face Colour or shape, good limbs or face, In motion or in speech a grace; If tall, the name of proper slays; * The fat like plenty fills my heart, The lean with love makes me so too; * Thus with unwearied wings I flee And, like the wise industrious bee, Honour. SHE loves, and she confesses too; What's this, ye gods ! what can it be? Remains there still an enemy? Bold Honour stands up in the gate, And would yet capitulate. Have I o'ercome all real foes, And shall this phantom me oppose? Noisy nothing! stalking shade! But I shall find out counter-charms, Sure I shall rid myself of thee And obscurer secresy. Unlike to every other sprite, Thou attempt'st not men t'affright, Nor appear'st but in the light. BALLAD. The Chronicle. MARGARITA first possess❜d, But when a while the wanton maid Martha took the flying ball. Martha soon did it resign To the beauteous Catharine. Eliza till this hour might reign, Mary then, and gentle Ann, Alternately they sway'd: And sometimes Mary was the fair, And sometimes Ann the crown did wear, And sometimes both I obey'd. Another Mary then arose, When fair Rebecca set me free, 'Twas then a golden time with me; For the gracious princess died And Judith reigned in her stead. One month, three days, and half an hour, But when Isabella came, And th' artillery of her eye: She beat out Susan by the bye. But in her place I then obey'd Bless me from such an anarchy! |