[Fair VIRTUE,
THE
MISTRESS
OF
PHIL'ARETE.]
Written by
Geo. Wither.
Catul. Carmen. XV.
nihil veremur
Istos, quid in platea, modo huc, modo illuc
In re pretereunt sua occupati.
London.
Printed for John Grismand.
M.DC.XXII.
[It is singular that this truly astonishing Poem, a poetical tour de force as it is, should not hitherto have obtained a universal acceptance and recognition. In it we see Wither at his prime; and cannot but admire as much the sterling integrity of his Character, as the wonderful fertility of his poetical Invention.
His mastery herein over rhythm and rhyme, also amply vindicates the opinion of Dryden: who, considering himself unmatched by any in facility of versification, openly excepted Wither, and F. Quarles.
Well has our Poet said—