THE MISTRESS. 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. Come at last and strike, for shame, 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; She cannot seem deform'd to me; I shall not see with others' eyes, scarce with mine own. 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; 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. Among the woods and forests thou art found, Let Venus, men; and beasts, Diana, wound! What service can mute fishes do to thee? Yet against them thy dart prevails, |