[14] Balanced.
From Campion and Rosseter’s Book of Airs, 1601.
Sweet, come again!
If true desire,
Or faithful vow of endless love,
Thy heart inflamed may kindly move
With equal fire;
O then my joys,
So long distraught, shall rest,
Reposèd soft in thy chaste breast,
Exempt from all annoys.
You had the power
My wand’ring thoughts first to restrain,
You first did hear my love speak plain;
A child before,
Now it is grown
Confirmed, do you it[15] keep!
And let ’t safe in your bosom sleep,
There ever made your own!
And till we meet,
Teach absence inward art to find,
Both to disturb and please the mind!
Such thoughts are sweet:
And such remain
In hearts whose flames are true;
Then such will I retain, till you
To me return again.
[15] Old ed. “do you keep it.”
From William Corkine’s Airs, 1610.
Sweet Cupid, ripen her desire,
Cold Winter storms lay standing Corn,
Which once too ripe will never rise,
And lovers wish themselves unborn,
When all their joys lie in their eyes.