WILLIAM BROWNE Lo, I the man that whilom loved and lost, Long time without a chosen mistress be, I may adore it there, and love the cell For entertaining what I loved so well. ROBERT HERRICK (1591-1674) TO HIS MISTRESS, OBJECTING TO HIM NEITHER TOYING OR TALKING You say I love not, 'cause I do not play Still with your curls, and kiss the time away. By Love's religion, I must here confess it, The most I love, when I the least express it. Deep waters noiseless are; and this we know, ROBERT HERRICK TO THE GENIUS OF HIS HOUSE COMMAND the roof, great Genius, and from thence Fulfil the larders, and with strengthening bread Next, like a Bishop consecrate my ground, The master's charge and care to recompense. Fix the foundation fast, and let the roof Grow old with time, but yet keep weather-proof. GEORGE HERBERT (1593-1633) LOVE I. IMMORTAL Love, author of this great frame, Sprung from that beauty which can never fade; How hath man parcel'd out thy glorious name, And thrown it on that dust which thou hast made, While mortal love doth all the title gain! Which siding with invention, they together Bear all the sway, possessing heart and brain (Thy workmanship), and give thee share in neither. Wit fancies beauty, beauty raiseth wit: The world is theirs; they two play out the game, Thou standing by: and though thy glorious name Wrought out deliverance from the infernal pit, Who sings thy praise? only a scarf or glove Doth warm our hands, and make them write of love, GEORGE HERBERT LOVE II. IMMORTAL Heat, O let thy greater flame Which shall consume the world, first make it tame, And there in hymns send back thy fire again : Our eyes shall see thee, which before saw dust; Dust blown by wit, till that they both were blind : All knees shall bow to thee; all wits shall rise, And praise Him who did make and mend our eyes. |