Stately Julia, prime of all;
Sapho next, a principal:
Smooth Anthea, for a skin
White, and heaven-like crystalline:
Sweet Electra, and the choice
Myrha, for the lute and voice.
Next, Corinna, for her wit,
And the graceful use of it;
With Perilla:–All are gone;
Only Herrick’s left alone,
For to number sorrow by
Their departures hence, and die.
To make for others garlands; and to setOn many a head here, many a coronet.But amongst all encircled here, not oneGave her a day of coronation;Till you, sweet mistress, came and interwoveA laurel for her, ever young as Love.You first of all crown’d her; she must, of due,Render for that, a crown of life to…
Yet trust me, I shall knowThe place where I may find ye.Within my Lucia’s cheek,(Whose livery ye wear)Play ye at hide or seek,I’m sure to find ye there.
Next, how I love thee, that my grief must tell,Wherein thou liv’st for ever.–Dear, farewell!
Charmed and enchanted soAs to withstand the blowO f o v e r t h r o w ;Nor shall the seas,Or o u t r a g e sOf storms, o’erbearWhat we uprear;Tho’ kingdoms fall,This pillar never shallDecline or waste at all;But stand for ever by his ownFirm and well-fixed foundation.
I bring ye love. QUES. What will love do?ANS. Stroke ye, to strike ye.I bring ye love. QUES. What will love do?ANS. Love will be-fool ye.I bring ye love. QUES. What will love do?ANS. Heat ye, to cool ye.I bring ye love. QUES. What will love do?ANS. Love, gifts will send ye.I bring ye love….
And this our life, too, whirls away,With the rotation of the day.
