Behind an unfrequented glade, Where yew and myrtle mix their shade, A widow Turtle pensive sat, And wept her murder'd lover's fate. The Sparrow chanced that way to walk,...
Lords, knights, and squires, the numerous band That wear the fair Miss Mary's fetters, Were summoned by her high command To show their passions by their letters.
When Jove lay bless'd in his Alcm'na's charms, Three nights in one he press'd her in his arms; The sun lay set, and conscious nature strove To shade her god, and to prolong his love....
Lie Philo untouch'd, on my peaceable shelf, Nor take it amiss that so little I heed thee; I've no envy to thee, and some love to myself: Then why should I answer since first I must read thee?...
From publick Noise and factious Strife, From all the busie Ills of Life, Take me, My Celia, to Thy Breast; And lull my wearied Soul to Rest: For ever, in this humble Cell,...
You, Madam, may, with safety go Decrees of destiny to know; For at your birth kind planets reign'd, And certain happiness ordain'd: Such charms as yours are only given To chosen favourites of Heaven....
Dear Chloe, how blubber'd is that pretty face; Thy cheek all on fire, and thy hair all uncurl'd: Prythee quit this caprice; and (as old Falstaff says) Let us e'en talk a little like folks of this world. ...
See, whilst Thou weep'st, fair Cloe, see The World in Sympathy with Thee. The chearful Birds no longer sing, Each drops his Head, and hangs his Wing. The Clouds have bent their Bosom lower,...
Forgive the muse who, in unhallow'd strains, The saint one moment from his God detains; For sure whate'er you do, where'er you are, 'Tis all but one good work, one constant prayer....
Whilst I in prison or in court look down, Nor beg thy favour nor deserve thy frown, In vain malicious Fortune hast thou tried By taking from my state to quell my pride:...
In one great now, superior to an age, The full extremes of nature's force we find: How heavenly virtue can exalt, or rage Infernal how degrade the human mind. ...
The amorous youth, whose tender breast Was by his darling Cat possest, Obtain'd of Venus his desire, Howe'er irregular his fire: Nature the power of love obey'd, The Cat became a blushing maid,...
By Sylvia if thy charming self be meant; If friendship be thy virgin vows' extent, O! let me in Aminta's praises join, Hers my esteem shall be, my passion thine. When for thy head the garland I prepare,...
What charms you have, from what high race you sprung, Have been the pleasing subjects of my song: Unskill'd and young, yet something still I writ Of Ca'ndish' beauty, join'd to Cecil's wit....