HAT I so slenderly set forth my mind, TW Writing I wot not what in ragged rhymes, And charged with brass into these golden times, When others tower so high, am left behind; I crave not Phœbus leave his sacred cell To bind my brows with fresh Aonian bays; Nor yet to Venus' tree do I aspire, Sith she for whom I might affect that praise AS, in a dusky and tempestuous night, A star is wont to spread her locks of gold, And while her pleasant rays abroad are roll'd, Some spiteful cloud doth rob us of her sight; Fair soul, in this black age so shined thou bright, And made all eyes with wonder thee behold, Till ugly Death, depriving us of light, In his grim misty arms thee did enfold. Who more shall vaunt true beauty here to see? HESE eyes, dear Lord, once tapers of desire, TH Frail scouts, betraying what they had to keep, My faults confess'd, Lord, say they are forgiven. TO CASTARA L ET the chaste Phoenix from the flowery East, Bring the sweet treasure of her perfumed nest, Of my Castara's graved by the hand of fame. From loose infection, bring their zealous prayer, Let all the amorous Youth, whose fair desire Felt never warmth, but from a noble fire, Bring hither their bright flames: which here shall shine As Tapers fixt about Castara's shrine. While I the Priest, my untamed heart surprise, TO CASTARA WHA THAT should we fear, Castara? The cool air, That's fall'n in love, and wanton in thy hair, Will not betray our whispers. Should I steal A nectar'd kiss, the wind dares not reveal Like Bacchus from the grape, life from thy lip. |