Love’s of itself too sweet; the best of all

Devoutly to thy Closet-gods then pray,That my wing’d ship may meet no Remora.Those deities which circum-walk the seas,And look upon our dreadful passages,Will from all dangers re-deliver me,For one drink-offering poured out by thee,Mercy and Truth live with thee! and forbear,In my short absence, to unsluice a tear;But yet for love’s-sake, let thy lips do…

Instead of holly, now up-raiseThe greener box, for show.The holly hitherto did sway;Let box now domineer,Until the dancing Easter-day,Or Easter’s eve appear.Then youthful box, which now hath graceYour houses to renew,Grown old, surrender must his placeUnto the crisped yew.When yew is out, then birch comes in,And many flowers beside,Both of a fresh and fragrant kin,To…

To give Perenna’s lip a kiss,And fan her wanton hair:Bring me but one, I’ll promise thee,Instead of common showers,Thy wings shall be embalm’d by me,And all beset with flowers.

Let what is graceless, discomposed, and rude,With sweetness, smoothness, softness be endued:Teach it to blush, to curtsey, lisp, and showDemure, but yet full of temptation, too.Numbers ne’er tickle, or but lightly plea{e,Unless they have some wanton carriages:–This if ye do, each piece will here be goodAnd graceful made by your neat sisterhood.

If so it be I’ve gain’d the shore,With safety of a faithful oar;If having run my barque on ground,Ye see the aged vessel crown’d;What’s to be done? but on the sandsYe dance and sing, and now clap hands.–The first act’s doubtful, but (we say)It is the last commends the Play.

Cold as paddocks though they be,Here I lift them up to Thee,For a benison to fallOn our meat, and on us all. Amen.