Fair wonder, to those charming eyes
A heart I fain would sacrifice,
Had I but e'er a one in store;
But having lost mine long before,
Well may I sigh, wish, and adore,
But for my life
Can die no more.
From Harl. MS. 6917.
A Motion to Pleasure.
STILL to affect, still to admire,
Yet never satisfy desire
With touch of hand, or lip, or that
Which pleaseth best (I name not what),—
Like Tantalus I pining die,
Taking Love's dainties at the eye.
Nature made nothing but for use,
And, fairest, 'twere a gross abuse
To her best work if you it hold
Unused, like misers' ill-got gold,
Or keep it in a virgin scorn,
Like rich robes that are seldom worn.
From Add. MS. 22601.
CONSTANT wives are comforts to men's lives,
Drawing a happy yoke without debate;
A playfellow that far off all grief drives;
A steward, early that provides and late:
Faithful and chaste, sober, mild, loving, trusty,
Nurse to weak age and pleasure to the lusty.
From Folly in Print, or a Book of Rhymes, 1667.