THE MISTRESS; OR, SEVERAL COPIES OF LOVE VERSES. "Hæret lateri lethalis arundo." VIRG. THE REQUEST. I'AVE often wish'd 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; But poets rather Gods, who first created thee. I ask not one in whom all beauties grow; [own. I shall not see with others' eyes, scarce with mine VOL. II. B 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 compass'd round with cold: So, when sharp winter means most harm, The springing plants are by the snow itself kept warm. But do not touch my heart, and so be gone; Come arm'd with flames; for I would prove All the extremities of mighty Love. The' excess of heat is but a fable; We know the torrid zone is now found habitable. Let Venus, men; and beasts, Diana, wound! What service can mute fishes do to thee? The no-great privilege of captivity? anger, show. |