From The Westminster Drollery, 1671.
CHLORIS, when I to thee present
The cause of all my discontent;
And show that all the wealth that can
Flow from this little world of man
Is nought but constancy and love,
Why will you other objects prove?
O do not cozen your desires
With common and mechanic fires:
That picture which you see in gold
In every shop is to be sold:
And diamonds of richest price
Men only value with their eyes.
But look upon my loyal heart
That knows to value every part,
And loves thy hidden virtue more
Than outward shape, which fools adore:
In that you'll all the treasures find
That can content a noble mind.
From The Mysteries of Love and Eloquence, 1658.
Cupid Contemned.
CUPID, thou art a sluggish boy
And dost neglect thy calling;
Thy bow and arrows are a toy;
Thy monarchy is falling.
Unless thou dost recall thy self
And take thy tools about thee,
Thou wilt be scorn'd by every elf,
And all the world will flout thee.