YES[38] I could love if I could find
A mistress fitting to my mind;
Whom neither pride nor gold could move
To buy her beauty, sell her love;
Were neat, yet cared not to be fine,
And loved me for myself, not mine;
Were rather comely than too fair,
White skinn'd and of a lovely hair;
Not ever-blushing, nor too bold;
Not ever-fond, nor yet too cold;
Not sullen-silent, nor all tongue;
Nor puling weak, nor manlike strong;
Modestly full of pleasing mirth,
Yet close as centre of the earth;
In whom you no passion see
But when she looks or speaks of me;
Who calls to bed with melting eyes;
As sweet and fresh as morn, doth rise:
If such a one you chance to find,
She is a mistress to my mind.
From Ashmole MS. 38, No. 196.
YOU that in the midst of night
Can acquaint mine eyes with light,
Also can command the day,
When you please, to go or stay;
Nothing can your powers resist
Whilst your shining eyes persist.
O do but smile! show more delight
In adding lustre to the night,
That your admirer now may say
Night's more clearer than the day.
From The Banquet of Music, 1688.
WHY is your faithful slave disdain'd?
By gentle arts my heart you gain'd,
O keep it by the same.
For ever shall my passion last,
If you will make me once possest
Of what I dare not name.
Though charming are your wit and face,
'Tis not alone to hear and gaze
That will suffice my flame.
Love's infancy on hopes may live,
But you to mine full grown must give
Of what I dare not name.
When I behold your lips, your eyes,
Those snowy breasts that fall and rise,
Fanning my raging flame;
That shape so made to be embraced;
What would I give I might but taste
Of what I dare not name?
In Courts I never wish to rise,
Both wealth and honour I despise,
And that vain breath call'd Fame;
By Love I hope no crowns to gain,
'Tis something more I would obtain—
'Tis that I dare not name.