The Wits Academy, 1677.
I love you well, yourself can tell. Let Virtue guide my lawful Bride! Sure you mistake! That bargain's to make. My tender heart, disdain makes smart. My love shall ever faithful prove! I moan because I lie alone. Absence ne'er parts two loving hearts. This and the giver are thine for ever. I vow to kiss her that reads this. The love I owe in this I show. No turtle dove shall shew more love! As I affect thee, so respect me. The gift is small, but Love is all. When this you see, remember me! This to a friend I freely send. Well directed, if well accepted. I'll not express what you may guess. When this you see, think well of me! Virtue and Love are from above. More near to me than life can be. Though friends cross love, we'll meet above! 'Tis Love alone makes two but one. You and I will Lovers die. I seek to be both thine and thee. I am sure to die, if you deny. In thee each part doth catch a heart. My true love is endless as this. When Cupid fails, the eye prevails. Your blest sight is my delight. I wish to have, but blush to crave. I wish you knew what I owe you. My constant love shall ne'er remove. Take this in part of my true heart. For one sweet kiss I give you this. Nothing for thee too dear can be! Desire like fire doth still aspire. In troth you know it must be so. My love you know, then say not "No!" If you this forego, you are my foe! I love thee Joan, and thee alone! I love thee John; therefore come on! My mind is bent, and I am content. I'll venture till I find Love's centre. I were an ass, should I let you pass. In midst of grief, Love sends relief. Where hearts agree, no strife can be. I joy to find a constant mind. Love never dies where Virtue lies. Love's delight is to unite. Let friend nor foe this secret know! I must confess love goes by guess. The nigher kin, the further in. What I have done declare to none! My name is Harry, and Doll I'll marry! Come when you will, I am yours still. I'll take my oath, to part I am loath. I'll swear and vow that I love you! I hope to meet some kisses sweet. Though this be small, you shall have all! When I am well; have at thee, Nell! I hope your mind's to love inclined. Forgive, or else I cannot live. You'll ever find me very kind. I am full of love towards you my dove. I this present with good intent. What more I owe, you'll shortly know. True friends, by love are made amends. Cupid's command; who can withstand? Think well of me when this you see. When you see this, blow me a kiss! My only joy, be not so coy! I love till death shall stop my breath. Unto the end, I'll be your friend!
LICIA,
or
POEMS OF LOVE
in honour of
the admirable and singular virtues of
his Lady.
To the imitation of
the best Latin Poets, and others.
Whereunto is added
The Rising to the Crown of
Richard the Third.
Auxit Musarum numerum Sappho addita Musis.
Fælix si sævus, sic voluisset Amor.