■R THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE PLEASURES OF LOVE: BEING amatorj? $oent0, ORIGINAL AND TRANSLATED, FROM THE ASIATIC AND EUROPEAN LANGUAGES. EY G. W. FITZWILLIAM, ESQ. Mosfri La dove Amor vera eloquenza aseonde. GUARINJ. SECOND EDITION, IMPROVED. ALBION PRESS, PRINTED FOR JAMES CUNDEE, Ivy-Lane, Paternoster-Row. 1807. TO HER GRACE THE DUCHESS OF BEDFORD; WHO, IN A NATION DISTINGUISHED FOR FEMALE BEAUTY AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS, IS FAIREST OF THE ACCOMPLISHED AND MOST ACCOMPLISHED OF THE FAIR— cina moth IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. d 7 PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. In all ages, in all countries, by all ranks and orders of society, the power of Beautv has been felt, and has universally found eulo- gists. Every nation-, however in other re- spects barbarous, has its love-songs : and though the unlettered savage, whose ideas extend not beyond the rude objects that surround him, cannot celebrate his mistress in such polished strains and glowing ima- gery, as the poet of civilized society, to whom the whole field of science and of cul- tivated nature is open, his compositions may not perhaps be deficient in what constitutes the very essence of poetry, feeling, and sim- plicity. On a subject so universally interesting, it seemed desirable to bring together what, in VI PREFACE. different ages of the world, had been written by the poets of different countries. With this view the present work was undertaken ; which comprises translations from the lan- guages of Asia, of ancient and modern Europe, and selections from almost all the poets of our own country, who have touch- ed upon the subject, except those whose writings are in every one's hand. This exception of course, excludes some of the most beautiful compositions in our own, or indeed any other language ; but in this instance it was thought necessary to sacri- fice beauty to novelty and variety. Upon the same principle, both in the poems that are selected, and those from which the trans- lations have been made, where they hap- pened to be of much length, some passages which did not so immediately relate to the design of the present publication, are here omitted ; where the omission could be made without materially affecting the course of narrative, or the connection of sentiment: and if any apology be thought requisite for this liberty, it is here offered. Many of the translations, and some few of the original PREFACE. VU pieces are written by the Editor ; to these he did not conceive it necessary to affix any mark of distinction, aware that by being placed among others so remarkable for beauty, their own inferiority, after this avowal, would sufficiently point them out. The Editor farther feels it his duty, to ex- press his gratitude for the very flattering re- ception which his humble endeavors to please have experienced. In the short space of a few months a considerable impression has been called for. — Stimulated by an ear- nest desire to merit that encouragement, he has been at considerable pains in improving and extending the present selection, by omitting some pieces, and adding many of superior interest, which, in his judgment, seemed entitled to particular attention. LONDON, JULY 1S07. a 2 CONTENTS. TRANSLATIONS FROM THE ARABIC AND PERSIAN. rose- I O a Female Cup-bearer; by Abd Absalam Ben Bagban.. 5 The Adieu ; by Abou Mohammed 4 To Seliina; by Achmed Ardebeili, aPersian Exile 5 To a Dove ; by Serage Alwarak 6 Saif Adadulet, Sultan of Aleppo, to his favorite Mistress . . 7 The Advice of the Bird '. 8 The Song of Maisuna 10 To a Lady weeping : by Ebn Alrunii 12 To Selima; by Achmed Ardebeili IS Verses addressed to a Lady ; by the Khaliph Almoktofi Liamrillah 14 The Confession; by AbouAly,a celebrated Mathematician 15 To Selima : by Achmed Ardebeili 16 A Song; by Hafiz 17 To Selima ; by Achmed Ardebeili 19 A Gazel ; by Hafiz CI The Coquet 23 Verses addressed by Waladata to some young men, &c. .. 24 A Gazel ; by Hafiz ib. A Gazel ; by the same 26 To Selima; by Achmed Ardebeili 27 To the Sun-Flower; by the same 29 To Leila, upon seeing her blush ; by the Khaliph Radhi Billah 30 A Turkish Ode of Mesihi 31 Song 34 TRANSLATIONS FROM THE IRISH. By Patrick Linden 37 To Mable Kelly; by Carolan 38 To the Daughter of Owen '. . . 39 Miluachra the Enchantress; by Oisin 41 X CONTENTS. Page The Inconstant ; by Edmund Ryan 42 By the same 45 The Complaint; by the same 46 Carolan to Gracy Nugent ; by Charles Wilson, Esq 48 TRANSLATIONS FROM THE FRENCH, ITALIAN, SPA- NISH, AND PORTUGUESE. The Nursing of Love 51 Directions to the Porter 53 Anacreontic 54 A Dialogue from de la Motte 57 To a Kiss 53 Woman ; from Tasso 59 To Love; from the same 60 ; from the same 62 To Iola ; from Metastasio 63 The Storm ; from the same 65 Eurilla ; from Rolli 70 To Laura; from Frugoni ; the Rose 71 The Complaint ; from Rolli 74 The Rival ; from Faustiuan Maratti 76 Serenade 77 Venus Angry ; from Camoens 78 The Isle of Love ; from the same 79 Madrigal 86 Sonnet 87 A Lover likened to a Clock ; from Petrarch 88 TRANSLATIONS FROM THE LATIN AND GREEK. From Buchanan 91 To a Nosegay in Pancharilla's Bosom; from Bonefonius".. 92 Kisses; from Johannes Secundus 93 From the same 94 From the same 96 From the same 97 From the same ib. CONTENTS. XI Page Kisses; from Johannes Secundus. 99 To Lydia; from Gallus 100 Cupid Robbed; from Julius Angerianus 102 Achilles and Deidamia; imitated from Ovid 104 The Perjured Mistress; from Horace 109 Delia Lost ; from T ibullus 110 Anacreontic ; from Julianus jEgyptius 112 The Kiss 103 From Bion ib. To the Evening-Star ; from Moschus 114 To his Mistress ; from Anacreon 115 Hymn to Venus; from Sappho 116 Ode ; from Anacreon 118 . . . . ; from the same lig . . . . ; from the same 120 POEMS, ORIGINAL AND SELECTED. Cupid and Psyche 12.1 The Genius and Abdalla 124 The Anniversary 129 Song 131 Song 132 To Delia 133 To a Lady, who seemed to trifle with the Author's Passion 134 To a Kiss 1« 5 So »S 136 Ode to Fancy 1S ^ Fortune-telling with Cards 13q Olivia. Sleeping 141 The Braes of Yarrow ; by Logan 142 To Myra; by J. Thompson 1 45 May; by ..W. Thompson 14 g The Lover's Night; by the same 14 8 To Laura; by Shenstone jjq The Flower of Yarrow, by Hamilton 151 Cephalis and Procris 1 53 Epigram; by Lord Dorset j » Epigram, written in a Lady's Tablets; by Walsh 158 Xll CONTENTS. Page The Inconstant ; by Lord Rochester 158 Song ; by Sir Charles Sedley 159 .... ; by the same 161 . . . . ; by the same 162 Laura Sleeping ; by Charles Cotton 163 Song ; by the same 164 The Girdle ib. Song ; by Aphra Behn 165 Cupid and the Clown 166 Inconstancy reproved 168 To the Moon ; by Miss Scott 169 By R. B. Sheridan 170 By the same 171 By the same ib. By Cowley 172 The Inconstant ; by the same 174 Ice and Fire ; by Sir Edward Sherburne 175 Song; by Sir John Suckling 176 By Thomas Nabbes ib, Song; by Waller 177 To Castara ; by Babington 178 The Bag of the Bee; by Herrick 179 The Mad Maid's Song ; by the same 180 The Voyage; by Browne 181 The Syren's Song ; by the same 182 The Primrose; by Carew 183 Sonnet; by Drummond 184 ; by Fletcher 185 ; by Daniel 180 ; by Drayton ib. By Thomas Moore 187 By the same 188 The Shrine ; by the same I89 By C. J. Fox 190 By Robert Herrick. 1Q2 By P. L. Courtier 1Q4 Hymn to Venus ; by the same ib. A Kiss ; by Ben Jonson 195 The Heart Fled Again ib. Cranslattans FROM THE grafrtc anli $erstan. THE PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO A FEMALE CUP-BEARER. BY ABD ABSALAM BEN BAGBAN. Come, Leila, fill the goblet up, Hand round the rosy wine, Think not that we will take the cup From any hand but thine. A draught like this 'twere vain to seek, No grape can such supply ; It steals its tint from Leila's cheek, Its brightness from her eye. B 2 PLEASURES OF LOVE. THE JDIEU. BY ABOU MOHAMMED. The boatmen shout, " 'Tis time to part, No longer can we stay " — 'Twas then Maimuna taught my heart How much a glance could say. With trembling steps to me she came ; " Farewel I" she would have cried ; But ere her lips the word could frame In half-form'd sounds it died. Then bending down with looks of love, Her arms she round me flung, And, as the gale hangs on the grove, Upon my breast she hung. My willing arms embraced the maid ; My heart with raptures beat ; While she but wept the more, and said, " Would we had never met !" PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO SELIMA. BY ACHMED AltDEBEILI, A PERSIAN EXILE. Thou, Selima, hast seen the tender Fawn, Heedless of danger many a summer's day, Crop the sweet flowers and herbage of the lawn, And oft around thee sport in harmless play : Lo ! now the hunter's shout awakes his fears ! In vain, alas ! his utmost speed he tries ; In every breeze the voice of death he hears, With every breeze his soul desponding dies. Ah ! see, to thee he turns with eager speed : Near thee he seeks protection from the foe : Canst thou with tearless eye behold him bleed, Nor strive to shield him from the fatal blow ? And wilt thou then, dear Maid, one smile refuse, To sooth the anguish of a faithful heart ? Whom tyrant Love unceasingly pursues, And wounds more deeply than the hunter's dart. PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO A DOVE. BY SERAGE ALWARAK. 1 he Dove, to ease an aching breast, In piteous murmurs vents her cares ; Like me she sorrows, for opprest Like me a load of grief she bears. Her plaints are heard in every wood, While I would fain conceal my woes ; But vain my wish, the briny flood, The more I strive, the faster flows. Sure, gentle Bird, my drooping heart Divides the pangs of love with thine; And plaintive murm'rings are thy part, And silent grief and tears are mine. PLEASURES OF LOVE. SAIF ADADULET, SULTAN OF ALEPPO, TO HIS FAVORITE MISTRESS.* 1 saw their jealous eye-balls roll, I saw them mark each glance of mine; I saw thy terrors, and my soul Shared every pang that tortured thine. In vain, to wean my constant heart, Or quench my glowing flame, they strove ; Each deep-laid scheme, each envious art, But waked my fears for her I love. * The occasion upon which Saif Addaulet composed this little poem is thus related by Elmacin : — The sultan hav- ing conceived a passion for a princess of the blood-royal, gave such public marks of the preference he entertained for her, that the ladies of his harem took alarm, and re- solved to rid themselves of the object of their jealousy by means of poison. Saif Addaulet, obtaining intelligence of their design, sent the princess to a castle at some distance from Aleppo ; and whilst she remained in this solitude, he addressed these verses to her. B4 PLEASURES OF L«VE. 'Twas this compell'd the stern decree, That forc'd thee to those distant towers, And left me nought but love for thee, To cheer my solitary hours. Yet let not Abla sink deprest, Nor separation's pangs deplore ; We meet not, — 'tis to meet more blest ; We parted,— 'tis to part no more ! THE ADVICE OF THE BIRD. A beauteous bird, in our rude climes unknown, That on a leafy arbor sits alone, Strains his sweet throat, and waves his purple wings. And thus in human accents softly sings: " Rise, lovely pair, a sweeter bower invites " Your eager steps, a bower of new delights; " Ah, crop the flowers of pleasure while they blow, " Ere winter hides them in a veil of snow. PLEASURES OF LOVE. <) " Youth like a thin anemone, displays " His silken leaf, and in a morn decays. " See, gentle youth, a lily-bosom'd bride ! " See, nymph, a blooming stripling by thy side ! " Then haste, and bathe your souls in soft delights, " A sweeter bower your wandering steps invites." He ceased ; the slender branch from which he flew Bent its fair head, and sprinkled pearly dew. The damsel smiled, the blushing youth was pleased, And by her willing hand his charmer seized : Then with a smile (he knew no higher bliss) From her sweet lip he stole a balmy kiss : On a smooth bank of violets they reclined ; And whilst a chaplet for his brow she twined, With his soft cheek her softer cheek he press'd, His pliant arms were folded round her breast. They sport and wanton till with sleep oppress'd, Like two fresh rose-buds on one stalk they rest! 10 PLEASURES OF LOVE. THE SONG OF MAISUNA* The russet suit of camel's hair, With spirits light and eye serene, Is dearer to my bosom far Than all the trappings of a queen. The humble tent and murmuring breeze That whistles thro' its fluttering walls, My unaspiring fancy please Better than towers and splendid halls. * Maisuna was a daughter of the tribe of Calab, and was married whilst very young to the Khaliph Mowiah. But this exalted situation by no means suited the disposition of Maisuna; and, amidst all the pomp and splendor of Da- mascus, she languished for the simple pleasures of her na- tive desert. These feelings gave birth to the following simple stanzas, which she took delight in singing, whenever she could find an opportunity to indulge her melancholy in private. She was overheard one day by Mowiah, who, as a punishment, ordered her to retire from court. Maisuna immediately obeyed, and taking her infant son, Yezid, with her, re- turned to Yeman. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 11 The attendant colts that bounding fly And frolic by the litter's side, Are dearer in Maisuna's eye Than gorgeous mules in all their pride. The watch-dog's voice that bays, whene'er A stranger seeks his master's cot, Sounds sweeter in Maisuna's ear Than yonder trumpet's long-drawn note. The rustic youth unspoil'd by art, Son of my kindred, poor but free, Will ever to Maisuna's heart Be dearer, pamperM fool, than thee. 12 PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO A LADY WEEPING. BY EBN ALRUMI. W hen I beheld thy blue eye shine Through the bright drop that pity drew, I saw beneath those tears of thine A blue-eyed violet bathed in dew. The violet ever scents the gale, Its hues adorn the fairest wreath ; But sweeter through a dewy veil Its colors glow, its odors breathe. And thus thy charms in brightness rise: — When wit and pleasure round thee play, When mirth sits smiling in thine eyes, Who but admires their sprightly ray ? But when thro' pity's flood they gleam Who but must love their soften'd beam ? PLEASURES OF LOVE. 13 TO SELIMJ. BY ACHMED ARDEBEIL1. Ten thousand tulips bloom in Mavra's vale, Ten thousand gems in Corga's rocks are born, Ten thousand odors scent the vernal gale, Ten thousand splendors crown the orient morn. Ten thousand beauties eagerly conspire To blend celestial in the Maid I love; Ten thousand zephyrs fan the fond desire, And waft her fancied form where'er I rove. Ten thousand hour-long moments gloom away In sad anxiety the wakeful night : Ten thousand rising fears distract the day, While for her safety all my hopes unite. As many dark-brow'd guilty terrors scowl Around the wretch who tore me from her charms, As many seraphs shield her spotless soul, Till time restore her to my longing arms. 34 PLEASURES OF LOVE. But vain are blessings — maledictions vain ; Death guards yon dire inexorable gate, Heaven guards the just : — shall Achmed then complain ? Ten thousand armies cannot vanquish Fate. VERSES Addressed by the Khaliph Almoktofi Liamrillah to a Lady, who pretended a Passion for him in his old Age. 1 hough such unbounded love you swear, Tis only art I see ; Can I believe that one so fair Should ever doat on me ? Say that you hate, and freely shew That age displeases youth ; And I may love you, when I know That vou can tell the truth. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 15 THE CONFESSION. BY ABOU ALYj A CELEBRATED MATHEMATICIAN. 1 never knew a sprightly fair That was not dear to me ; And freely I my heart could share, With every one I see. It is not this or that alone On whom my choice would fall ; I do not more incline to one Than I incline to all. The circle's bounding line are they, It's centre is my heart, My ready love the equal ray That flows to every part. 16 PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO SELIMJ. BY ACHMED ARDEBEILI. r ar from my Selima, my soul's delight, How cheerless gleams the radiant orb of day ! How gloom the tedious hours of silent night, As life's dull current sickening wastes away ! For sure, in fate's dark volume yet remains No lingering curse more cruelly severe Than that which binds my captive heart in chains, And dooms it thus to die desponding here. As the sweet music of the vernal grove Succeeds the horrors of the wintry storm : As the fond turtle views his faithful dove Succeed the ravenous vulture's fearful form : So shall the hour that brings me to the arms Of thee, sweet Maid, atone for years of pain, Ah ! while that kindling hope my bosom warms, The flood of life swells rapturous ev'ry vein. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 17 O what an ocean of unbounded bliss Around me then its circling tide shall roll ! Thou Pearl of Beauty ! mid that deep abyss, Shalt reign the sovereign treasure of my soul ! A SONG, BY HAFIZ. Sweet maid, if thou wouldst charm my sight, And bid these arms thy neck infold ; That rosy cheek, that lily hand, Would give thy poet more delight Than all Bocara's vaunted gold, Than all the gems of Samarcand. Boy, let yon liquid ruby flow, And bid thy pensive heart be glad, Whate'er the frowning zealots say: Tell them, their Eden cannot show A stream so clear as Rocnabad, A bower so sweet as Mosellay, c IS PLEASURES OF LOVE. O ! when these fair perfidious maids, Whose eyes our secret haunts infest, Their dear destructive charms display ; Each glance my tender breast invades, And robs my wounded soul of rest, As Tartars seize their destin'd prey. Speak not of fate : — ah ! change the theme, And talk of odors, talk of wine, Talk of the flowers that round us bloom : 'Tis all a cloud, 'tis all a dream ; To love and joy thy thoughts confine, Nor hope to pierce the sacred gloom. Beauty has such resistless power, That ev'n the chaste Egyptian dame Sigh'd for the blooming Hebrew boy ; For her how fatal was the hour, When to the banks of Nilus came A youth so lovely and so coy ! What cruel answer have I heard ! And yet by heav'n I love thee still : Can ought be cruel from thy lip ? Yet say, how fell that bitter word From lips which streams of sweetness fill, Which nought but drops of honey sip ? PLEASURES OF LOVE. 19 Go boldly forth, my simple lay, Whose accents flow with artless ease, Like orient pearls at random strung : Thy notes are sweet the damsels say ; But oh ! far sweeter, if they please The nymph for whom these notes are sung. TO S ELI MA. BY ACHMED ARDEBEIL1. Where are you flown, ye hours of gay delight, When countless Beauties crowding on my view, Seem'd by some mystic concord to unite, In forms of fair enjoyment, ever new ? When, as the nectar'd goblet pourM around Its smiling treasures to the sons of Joy : The echoing roofs learnt only to resound, • These, these are pleasures that can never cloy.' «2 20 PLEASURES OF EOV£. Then, spurning every fear of Fortune's frown, Time's rapid progress, or the shafts of Fate ; I fondly call'd thee, Selima, my own, And deem'd my raptures of no mortal date. ' Let holy Dervishes of Eden dream, ' And clasp the visions of celestial bliss, ' They ne'er beheld thy heavenly beauty's beam, ' Nor from thy lips received a Houri's kiss. ' O let my soul, transported as I gaze, ' Proclaim thy triumph o'er the rising day ; ' See light-wing'd clouds obscure his blushful blaze, * While gladden'd Nature hails thy living ray ! ' O Selima! Enchantment reigns around, ' Whene'er thy magic fingers touch the lyre ; ' But when thy voice accords its sweeter sound, ' Ev'n list'ning seraphs with delight expire !' Thus I, exulting in each rapturous hour, Ne'er bade my heart with grateful ardors glow, To Him whose goodness gave — his vengeful powe? Reversed each charm, and plunged me deep in w PLEASURES OF LOVE. 21 Yet, can my wounded spirit e'er repine ? Has it not known the heart's supremest joy ? The blest Idea ever shall be mine, Nor can Eternity that bliss destroy. A GJZEL, BY II A F I Z . Zephyr, should'st thou chance to rove By the mansion of my love, From her locks ambrosial bring Choicest odors on thy wing. Could'st thou waft me from her breast Tender sighs to say I'm blest, As she lives ! my soul would be Sprinkled o'er with extacy. But if Heav'n the boon deny, Round her stately footsteps fly, With the dust that thence may rise, Stop the tears which bathe these eyes, c 3 22 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Like the wind-tost reed my breast Fann'd with hope is ne'er at rest ; Throbbing, longing in these arms Close to strain her yielding charms. Yes, my charmer, though I see Thy heart courts no love with me, Not for worlds, could they be mine, Would I give a hair of thine. Why, O Care, shall I in vain Strive to shun thy galling chain, When these strains still fail to save And make Hafiz more a slave. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 23 THE COQUET. JLetla, with too successful art, Has spread for me the cruel snare ; And now, when she has caught my heart, She laughs and leaves it to despair. Thus the poor sparrow pants for breath, Held captive by a playful boy, And while it drinks the draught of death, The thoughtless child looks on with joy. Ah! were its fluttering pinions free, Soon would it bid its chains adieu. Or did the child its sufferings see, He'd pity and relieve them too. 24 PLEASURES OF LOVE. VERSES Addressed by Waladata, daughter of Mohammed Almostakfi Billah, Khaliph of Spain, to some young Men who had pre- tended a passion for herself and her Companions. When you told us our glances soft, timid and mild, Could occasion such wounds in the heart, Can ye wonder that yours, so ungovern'd and wild, Some wounds to our cheeks should impart ? The wounds on our cheeks are but transient, I own, With a blush they appear and decay ; But those on the heart, fickle youths, ye have shewn To be even more transient than they. A GAZEL, BY HAFIZ. JVliNSTREL tune some novel lay, Ever jocund, ever gay ; Call for heart-expanding wine, Ever sparkling, ever fine. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 25 Sit remov'd from prying eyes, — Love the game, the fair thy prize ; Toying snatch the furtive bliss, Eager look, and eager kiss ; Fresh and fresh repeat the freak, Often give, and often take. Can'st thou feed the hungering soul Without drinking of the bowl ? Pour out wine ; to her 'tis due, — Love commands thee — Fill anew ; Drink her health, repeat her name, Often, often do the same. Frantic love more frantic grows, Love admits of no repose; Haste thou youth with silver feet, Haste, the goblet bring, be fleet ; Fill again the luscious cup, Fresh and fresh, come fill it up. See yon angel of my heart Forms for me with witching art, 26 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Ornaments of varied taste, Fresh and graceful, fresh and chaste. Gentle zephyr, should's thou roam, By my lovely charmer's home, In soft whispers oft repeat Tales of Hafiz, whisper'd sweet, Whisper o'er and o'er again Hafiz' love, and Hafiz' strain. A GAZEL, BY THE SAME. Though I have felt a lover's woes, Ask me not what they were ; Though absence robs me of repose, Ask not to know my care. No longer since than yesternight, The fair in murmurs sweet Blest me with accents of delight, Which bid me not repeat. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 27 Why bite thy lip ? Why hints suggest, As if I could betray? A ruby lip, 'tis true, I've prest ; But whose — don't bid me say. Absent from her, forlorn I moan, Affliction haunts my cot : But what I bear thus alone, Ah ! prithee ask me not ! Hafiz, a stranger late to woe, Now feels it in excess ; Ask not his boundless love to know, 'This what he can't express. TO SELIMA. BY ACIIMED ARDEBEILI. When the fair Rose amidst. her flow'ry train, With virgin blushes greets the dewy morn ; Say, will th' enamour'd Nightingale remain A lonely warbler on the desert thorn ? 28 PLEASURES OF LOVE. When the dark sullen Genii of the night, Behold the Moon slow rising o'er the wave, Those wayward spirits curse the beauteous light, And hide with Envy in her gloomy cave: Yet shall the traveller with enraptured eye, As late he treads his solitary way, O'erlook each radiant gem that decks the sky, Alone rejoicing in her brighter ray. The sweetest rose that blushful hails the morn ; The moon's mild lustre rising o'er the main : The fairest maids Gergestan's blooms adorn ; Or all Circassia's lovely virgin train . These, these, O Selima, unnotic'd shine, Lost in the blaze of thy superior charms ; And whilst I may aspire to call thee mine, No saint more happy in a Houri's arms. O Angel of delight ! of thee possest, Not Paradise should bribe me from my love ; Fv'n the fond hope that animates my breast, Speaks the pure raptures of the blest above. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 29 TO THE SUN FLOWER. BY THE SAME. Dear as the Sun, O lovely flower ! to thee, Oh dearer far is Selima to me ! The breeze that wakens with the orient dawn, Scarce from thy bosom shakes the quivering dew; Scarce is the dusky veil of Night withdrawn, Ere thy fond eye expanding to the view, With kindling rapture meets the golden gleam, That now ascends the sky, now floats along the stream. And when the burning blaze of summer Noon, Darts from the midway heaven's etherial height ; Thy daring eye, broad as the rising moon, With transport gazes on the King of Light; Tho' all around the droop the languid head, And all the energies of life are fled. 30 PLEASURES OF LOVE. And oft as Evening sheds the dewy tear, O'er the pale relics of departed day, And in the blue expanse of Heaven, appear The first faint gleams of many a starry ray, Dost thou responsive to the zephyr's sigh, Mourn the past radiance of the western sky. Dear as the Sun, O lovely flower, to thee, Oh dearer far is Selima to me ! TO LE1LJ, UPON SEEING HER BLUSH. BY THE KHALIPH RADH1 BILLAH. JLeila, whene'er I gaze on thee, My alter'd cheek turns pale While upon thine, sweet maid, I see A deepening blush prevail. Leila, shall I the cause impart Why such a change takes place ? The crimson stream deserts my heart To mantle on thy face. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 31 A TURKISH ODE OF MESIHI. Hear how the nightingales, on every spray, Hail in wild notes the sweet return of May ! The gale, that o'er yon waving almond blows, The verdant bank with silver blossoms strews ; The smiling season decks each flowery glade. Be gay : too soon the flowers of Spring will faid. What gales of fragrance scent the vernal air ! Hills, dales, and woods their loveliest mantles wear. Who knows what cares await that fatal day, When ruder gusts shall banish gentle May ? Ev'n Death, perhaps, our valleys will invade. Be gay : too soon the flowers of Spring will fade. The sparkling dew-drops o'er the lilies play, Like orient pearls, or like the beams of day. If love and mirth your wanton thoughts engage, Attend, ye nymphs ! ( a poet's words are sage) While thus you sit beneath the trembling shade, Be gay : too soon the flow'rs of Spring will fade. 32 PLEASURES OF LOVE. The fresh blown rose like Zeineb's cheek appears, When pearls like dew-drops glitter in her ears. The charms of youth at once are seen and past ; And Nature says, " they are too sweet to last." So blooms the rose, and so the blushing maid! Be gay : too soon the flowers of Spring will fade. The plants no more are dried, the meadows dead, No more the rose-bud hangs her pensive head : The shrubs revive in valleys, meads, and bowers, And every stalk is diadem'd with flowers. In silken robes each hillock stands array'd. Be gay : too soon the flowers of Spring will fade. Clear drops each morn impearl the rose's bloom, And from its leaf the zephyr drinks perfume ; The dewy buds expand their lucid store ; Be this our wealth : ye damsels, ask no more. Though wise men envy, and though fools upbraid, Be gay: too soon the flowers of Spring will fade. The dew-drops sprinkled by the musky gale Are changed to essence ere they reach the dale. The mild blue sky a rich pavilion spreads, Without our labor o'er our favor'd heads. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 33 Let others toil in war, in arts, or trade. Be gay : too soon the flow'rs of Spring will fade. Late gloomy winter chill'd the sullen air, Till Soliman arose and all was fair. Soft in his reign the notes of love resound, And Pleasure's rosy cup goes freely round. Here on the bank, which mantling vines o'ershade, Be gay : too soon the flow'rs of Spring will fade. May this rude lay from age to age remain, A true memorial of this lovely train. Come, charming maid, and hear thy poet sing, Thyself the rose, and he the bird of Spring : Love bids him sing, and Love will be obey'd. Be gay : too soon the flow'rs of Spring will fade. 34 PLEASURES OF LOVE. SONG. W ake, ye nightingales, oh, wake ! Can ye idlers, sleep so long ? Quickly this dull silence break ; Burst enraptur'd into song : Shake your plumes, your eyes unclose, No pretext for more repose. Tell me not, that Winter drear Still delays your promis'd tale, That no blossoms yet appear, Save the snow-drop in the dale : Tell me not the woods are bare ; — Vain excuse ! prepare ! prepare ! View the hillock, view the meads: All are verdant, all are gay ; Julia comes, and with her leads Health, and Youth, and blooming May. When she smiles, fresh roses blow ; Where she treads, fresh lilies grow. Hail ! ye groves of Bagley, hail ! Fear no more the chilling air: Can your beauties ever fail? Julia has pronounc'd you fair. She could cheer a cavern's gloom, She could make a desert bloom. Ctanslattons PLEASURES OF LOVE. 37 BY PATRICK LINDEN. OH, fairer than the mountain snow, O'er which the polar breezes blow, Which living footstep never prest, Oh fairer, purer is thy breast ! Beneath thy cheek, O lovely maid, Some rose by stealth its leaf convey'd ; To shed its bright and beauteous dye, And still the varying bloom supply. The tresses of thy silken hair As curling mists are soft and fair, Bright waving o'er thy graceful neck, Its pure and tender snow to deck. Sweet is the melting magic hung In liquid notes upon thy tongue, Whose tones might death himself control, And call back the expiring soul. 38 PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO MABLE KELLY. BY CAROLAN. As when the softly blushing rose Close by some neighboring lily blows, Such is the glow thy cheeks diffuse, And such their bright and blended hues. The timid lustre of thine eye With Nature's purest tints can vie, With the sweet harebell's azure gem, That droops upon its slender stem. As when the simple birds, at night, Fly round the taper's fatal light, Wild and with extacy elate, Unconscious of approaching fate : So the soft splendors of thy face, So thy fair form's bewitching grace, Allure to death unwary Love; And thousands the bright ruin prove. PLEASURES OV LOVE. 39 Ev'n lie whose hapless eyes * no ray Admit from Beauty's cheering day ; He, though he cannot see the light, Yet feels it warm, and knows it bright. TO THE DAUGHTER OF OWEN. O thou more bright, more cheering to our eyes, Than the young beams that warm the dawning skies, Hast thou not heard the weeping nurse relate The mournful tale of young Narcissus' fate ? How, as the bards of ancient days have sung, While fondly o'er the glassy stream he hung, Enamor'd he his lovely form survey'd, And died at length the victim of a shade. Sweet ! do not thou a like misfortune prove, O be not such thy fate, nor such thy love ! No more on that bewitching beauty gaze, Nor trust thy sight to meet its dazzling blaze. * This celebrated Irish bard lost his sight in early in- fancy. D4 40 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Hide, hide that breast so snowy fair : Hide the b.ight tresses of thy hair; And oh ! those eyes of radiant ruin hide, Brilliant as sunbeams dancing on the tide ; Hide the fair lids where their soft glories roll, Darting their tender glances to the soul. Hide the twin berries of thy lip's perfume, Their breathing fragrance, and their deepening . bloom ; Thy lip, whose sounds such raptures can impart, Whose words of sweetness sink into the heart; Hide those fair cheeks, that glow like radiant morn, When Sol's bright rays the blushing East adorn ; No more to thy incautious sight display'd, Be that dear form in every grace array'd : — The rosy finger's tapering charms ; The slender hand, the snowy arms ; The little foot so soft, so fair ; The timid step, the modest air ; No more their graces let thine eye pursue, But hide, oh hide the peril from thy view. Against thy own attractions steel thy heart, And fear no wound from Cupid's idle dart : PLEASURES OF LOVE. 41 For thee while all the youths of Erin sigh, And wounded by thy thrilling eyebeam die, Peace shall within thy gentle bosom reign, Their love unpitied and unheard their strain. MILUACHRA THE ENCHANTRESS. BY OISIN. On her soft cheek of tender bloom The rose its tint bestow'd ; And in her richer lip's perfume, The ripening berry glow'd. Her neck was as the blossom fair, Or like the cygnet's breast, With that majestic, graceful air, In snow and softness drest. Gold gave its rich and radiant dye, And in her tresses gleam'd ; And like a freezing star, her eye With heaven's own splendor beam'd. 42 PLEASURES OF LOVE. THE INCONSTANT. BY EDMUND RYAN, CALLED EDMUND OF THE HILL. J5right her locks of beauty grew, Curling fair and sweetly flowing, And her eyes of smiling blue, Oh how soft ! how heav'nly glowing ! Ah ! poor heart oppress'd with pain, When wilt thou have end of mourning? — This long, long year I look in vain To see my only hope returning. Oh ! would thy promise faithful prove, And to my fond, fond bosom give thee, Lightly then my steps would move, Joyful should my arms receive thee. Then once more, at early morn, Hand-in-hand should we be straying, Where the dew-drop decks the thorn With its pearls the woods arraying. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 43 Cold and scornful as thou art, Lore's fond vows and faith belying, Shame for thee now rends my heart, My pale cheek with blushes dying! Why art thou false to me and Love ? — While health and joy with thee are vanish'd— Is it because forlorn I rove, Without a crime unjustly banish'd ? 'Tis thy Edmund calls thee, Love, Come, O come and heal his anguish ; Driven from his home, behold him rove Condemn'd in exile here to languish. o O thou dear cause of all my pains, With thy charms each heart subduing, Come, on Munster's lovely plains Here again fond passion suing. Music, mirth and sports are here, Cheerful friends the hours beguiling;— Oh ! Avouldst thou, my Love, appear, To joy my bosom reconciling,—— 44 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Sweet would seem the holly's shade Bright the clust'ring berries glowing ; And in scented bloom array'd Apple-blossoms round us blowing ; Cresses waving in the stream, Flowers its gentle banks perfuming ; Sweet the verdant paths would seem, All in rich luxuriance blooming. Every scene with thee would please, Every care and fear would fly me ; Wintry storms, and raging seas Would lose their gloom, if thou wert nigli me. O might I call thee now my own, No added rapture joy could borrow ; 'T would be like Heaven, when life is flown, To cheer the soul and heal its sorrow. See thy falsehood, cruel maid ! See my cheek no longer glowing ; Strength departed, health decay'd, Life in tears of sorrow flowing ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 45 Why do I thus my anguish tell ? — Why pride in woe, and boast of ruin ?— O lost treasure, fare thee well ! Loved to madness, to undoing. How the swan adorns that neck, There her down and whiteness growing ! How its snow those tresses deck, Bright in fair luxuriance flowing! Mine, of right, are all those charms ! Cease with coldness then to grieve me ; Take, O take me to thy arms, Or those of Death will soon receive me. BY THE SAME. As the sweet, blackberry's modest bloom Fair-flowering greets the sight ; As strawberries, in their rich perfume Fragrance and bloom unite : 46 PLEASURES OF LOVE. So thou, fair plant of tender youth, With loveliest forms might'st vie, While, from within, the soul of truth Soft beaming, fills thine eye. Pulse of my heart ; dear source of care, Stol'n sighs and love-breathed vows ; Sweeter than when through scented air Gay bloom the apple-boughs ; With thee no days can winter seem, Nor frost, nor blast can chill;— Thou the soft breeze, the cheering beam That keeps it summer still. THE COMPLAINT. BY THE SAME. Oh ! what woes are mine to bear, Life's fair morn with clouds o'ercasting! Doom'd the victim of Despair, Youth's gay bloom pale sorrow blasting. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 47 Sad the bird that sings alone, Flies to wilds unseen to languish, Pours unheard the ceaseless moan, And wastes on desert air its anguish. Mine, O hapless bird, thy fate, — The plunder'd nest, the lonely sorrow, The lost, loved, harmonious mate, The wailing night, the cheerless morrow. O thou dear hoard of treasured love, Though these fond arms should ne'er possess thee, Still, still my heart its faith shall prove, And its last sighs shall breathe to bless thee. 48 PLEASURES OF LOVE. CAROLAN TO GRACY NUGENT. BY CHARLES WILSON, ESQ. The fairest flow'r of Beauty's spring, Now softly prompts the swelling string; Oh ! Gracy, born of generous race,* Too happy in each nameless grace : Who meets thy presence sure is blest, No more by anxious sorrow prest ; If fortune frowns, one single ray From thy bright eyes effuses day. Thy hair by Beauty's fingers spun, Dipt in the gleam of setting sun, Sheds on thy neck, in wanton play, The mimic drops and pearls of day. * She was related to the Nugent family. translations FROM THE jprmcf), Italian, g>pantsJ), AND Portuguese, PLEASURES OF LOVE. 51 THE NURSING OF LOVE. IjAP'D on Cythera's golden sands When first True Love was born on Earth, Long was the doubt what fosf ring hands Should tend and rear the glorious birth. First Hebe claimed the sweet employ, Her cup, her thornless flowers, she said, Would feed him best with health and joy, And cradle best his cherub head. But anxious Venus justly fear'd The tricks and changeful mind of Youth ; Too mild the seraph Peace appear'd, Too stern, too cold, the matron truth ; Next Fancy claim'd him for her own, But Prudence disallow'd her right, She deem'd her Iris pinions shone Too dazzling for his infant sight. e 2 52 PLEASURES OF LOVE. To Hope awhile the charge was given, And well with Hope the cherub throve, 'Till Innocence came clown from Heaven, Sole guardian, friend, and nurse of Love ! Pleasure grew mad with envious spite, When all preferr'd to her she found ; She vow'd full vengeance for the slight, And soon success her purpose crown'd. The traitress watch'd a sultry hour, When, pillow'd on her blush-rose bed, Tired Innocence to slumber's pow'r One moment bow'd her virgin-head ; Then Pleasure on the thoughtless child Her toys and sugar' d poisons prest: Drunk with new joy, he heaved, he smiled, Reel'd — sunk — and died upon her breast! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 53 DIRECTIONS TO THE PORTER. 1 hou, faithful guardian of these peaceful walls, Whose zealous care protects thy master's gate ; If any stranger at this mansion calls, I'll tell thee who shall enter, who shall wait. If Fortune, blindfold goddess, chance to knock, Or proud Ambition lure me to her arms, Shut, shut the door, good John, quick turn the lock, And shield thy master from their syren charms. If sober Wisdom hither deigns to roam, Nor let her in, nor send her quite away : Tell her, at present I am not at home, But hope she'll call again another day ! If at my door a beauteous Boy be seen, His little feet have oft my threshold trod, You know the offspring of the Cyprian queen, His air — without his bow, bespeaks the god. "■ 3 64» PLEASURES OF LOVE. His gentle smiles admittance ever win, Tho' oft deceived — I prize the fond deluder ; Morn, noon, and night, be sure you let him in, For Love, dear Love, is never an intruder. ANACREONTIC. When Spring came on with fresh delight, To cheer the soul, and charm the sight, While easy breezes, softer rain, And warmer suns, salute the plain ; 'Tvvas then, in yonder piney grove, That Nature went to meet with Love. Green was her robe, and green her wreath, "Where'er she trod, 'twas green beneath ; Where'er she turn'd, the pulses beat With new recruits of genial heat ; And in her train the birds appear, To match for all the coming year. Raised on a bank where daisies grew, And violets intermix'd a blue, PLEASURES OF LOVE. 55 She finds the boy she went to find ; A thousand pleasures wait behind, Aside a thousand arrows lie, But all unfeather'd, wait to fly. When they met the dame and boy. Dancing graces, idle joy, Wanton smiles, and airy play Conspired to make the scene be gay : Love pair'd the birds thro' all the grove, And Nature bid them sing to Love, Sitting, hopping, fluttering, sing, And pay their tribute from the wing. To fledge the shafts that idly lie, And yet unfeather'd wait to fly. 'This thus when Spring renews the blood, They meet in every trembling wood, And thrice they make the plumes agree, And every dart they mount with three, And every dart can boast a kind, Which suits each proper turn of mind. From the towering eagle's plume The generous hearts accept their doom • r )'G PLEASURES OF LOVE. Shot by the peacock's painted eye, The vain and airy lovers die : For careful dames and frugal men, The shafts are speckled by the hen. The pyes and parrots deck the darts, When prattling wins the panting hearts ; When from the voice the passions spring, The warbling finch affords awing : Together, by the sparrow stung, Down fall the wanton and the young. And fledged by geese the weapons fly, When others love they know not why. All this (as late I chanced to rove) I learn'd in yonder waving grove ; " And see," says Love, " who calPd me near, How much I deal with nature here ; How both support a proper part, She gives the feather, I the dart: Then cease for souls averse to sigh, If Nature cross you, so do I ; My weapon there unfeather'd flies, And shakes and shuffles through the^kies. But if the mutual charms I find By which she links you mind to mind, PLEASURES OF LOVE. 57 They wing my shafts, I poize the darts, And strike from both, througii both your hearts." A DIALOGUE. FROM DE LA MOTTE. JVj o, Love — I ne'er will love again ; Thy tyrant empire I abjure ; My weary heart resolves to cure Its wounds, and ease the raging pain. " Fool ! canst thou fly my happy reign ? " Iris recals thee to her arms." She's false — I hate her perjur'd charms ; No Love — I ne'er will love again. " But know, for thee I've toil'd to gain " Daphne, the bright, the reigning toast." Daphne but common eyes can boast ; No, Love— I ne'er will love again. 58 PLEASURES OF LOVE. " She who before scorn' d every swain, " Dirce, shall for one sigh be thine." Age makes her rays too faintly shine ; No, Love — I ne'er will love again, " But should I give thee charms t' obtain " Flora, the young, the bright, the gay ! " I see thee blush — now rebel, say, " No Love — I ne'er will love again. No, charming god, prepare a chain Eternal for that fair and me ! Yet still know ever fairy but she, I've vow'd I ne'er will love again. TO A KISS. 1 he flowers that in yon meadow grow. To thee their bloom, their fragrance owe : The blossom'd shrubs, in gaudy dress, Thy genial warmth, thy power confess : The stream that winds along the grove, And courts the shore with waves of love, PLEASURES OF LOVE. 59 Is taught by thee the fond embrace, By thee is taught each rural grace — On gently-parted lips, say why Is plac'd the Rose's beauteous dye ? Because on that soft seat of bliss Abides the rosy-breathing kiss. WOMAN. FROM TASSO. The bashful lover sues in vain The favors of the Fair to gain ; He, that would feast upon the bliss Of his mistress' honied kiss, Must dare to hope, and cease to languish With dull despair, the nurse of anguish; Must bid adieu to bashfulness And boldly learn his suit to press ; And if in vain his oft-urg'd pray'r Impetuous clasp the struggling fair, And gently force the joy denied,— Nor think that she will ever chide. For oh ! how soft is woman framed ! How soon with Love's fierce fires enflamedl 60 PLEASURES OF LOVE. She flies, yet flying hopes the swain Quickly her footsteps will detain ! Denies, yet hopes while she denies That he will boldly snatch the prize ; Struggles, yet struggling lets him see She hopes to lose the victory. TO LOVE. FROM THE SAME. O Love, in what delightful school Is taught thy sweet, mysterious art? What master can define by rule The soft accesses of the heart ? Or point the way th' impetuous wish to gain Form'd in the lover's brain, When, wafted on thy azure wings, his soul Urges its daring flight beyond the Pole ?■ — Unequal to the task learn'd Athens boasts in vain Her far-fam'd sages with long wisdom hoar :— Unskill'd in thy soft lore, Apollo's self but coldly strikes the strings, When of thy laws he sings, And to thy mystic rites devotes the strain ; PLEASURES OF LOVE. 6*1 No more he breathes the words of fire, Nor to thy lofty pitch can soar his wearied lyre. O Love, none but thyself can shew The secrets of thy art, None but thyself impart The magic potence of thy golden bow. — Taught by thee, the simplest swain That ever trod the dewy plain, Soon learns to read the language bland Traced by thy rosy hand In his fair mistress' speaking eyes : — 'Tis thou that giv'st the honied flow Of melting eloquence, and glow Of ' words that burn' to thy true votaries :* — And oft, strange eloquence of love ! The fond wish of the heart, exprest In words half-spoke and half represt And scarcely heard, can more to pity move Than speech in all the grace of learning drest: — And oft, when fails the tender prayer To charm the proud unyielding fair, Expressive Silence melts her icy breast. Let others pore upon the musty rules Taught in the jangling schools ; 62 PLEASURES OF LOVE. I yield my heart to thy soft laws enslaved; And while my pleasing doom I read In two bright eyes, should little heed Tho' one wide ruin swept away, And buried in eternal night The heaven-born poet's loftiest flight With the untutor'd lay On the rough bark by my rude hand engraved. TO LOVE. FROM THE SAME. Scarce can the sweets of love repay, Tho' gather'd in their freshest bloom, His toil, who sighs the live-long day Nor ceases with the midnight gloom. And tho' more pleasing after pain The long-expected bliss may oe, No wish have I, O Love, to gain Such hardly-earned felicity. Let others in delay find charms — But may the nymph, whose chains I wear, After short service bless my arms, Nor doom me to a length of prayer. •PLEASURES OF LOVE. 63 And if with am'rous toil opprest Our glutted appetites shall cloy, To give our loves a higher zest, Not in fierce storms we'll seek alloy ; But with feign'd coyness, sweet disdain, And playful wars we'll mix our blisses, And then unite our hearts again In a long truce of melting kisses. TO 10LA. FROM METASTASIO. Oh ! let us love, my charming fair, Oh let us love !— Time hastes away — Less swift the dart through liquid air To pierce the panther cleaves its way. Too soon, alas ! that bloom will fade ! Soon droops the rose of youth and dies ! Soon will rude age those charms invade And dim the lustre of those eyes ! 6*4 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Lovely at eve the Sun declines, While streaks of gold his vest adorn ; Yet lovelier in tl,e East he shines, With brighter radiance hails the morn :- The wintry storms' resistless pow'r Of Spring's gay verdure robs the trees, But soon returns the vernal hour, And 'mid fresh foliage strays the breeze: Not so returns our youthful bloom ; Beauty ne'er greets a second May! — Nor e'er to Death's cold cheerless gloom Succeeds the blissful warmth of day. Behw in Pluto's dreary reign, Oblivion quenches Love's bright fires ; And wanton Cupid's smiling train I'rom Stygian caverns far retires. Oh ! then while storms are far away ;— Or e'er 'tis nipp'd by wintry sleets, Oh ! let us pluck, while yet we may, The rose of love, and taste its sweets. PLEASURES OV LOVE. 65 While Cupid's gentle wars we wage Our hearts with mutual warmth shall glow, We'll scorn the tales of babbling Age, That envies joys it cannot know. Oh! let us love, my charming fair, Oh ! let us love ! — Time hastes away; — Less swift the dart through liquid air To pierce the panther cleaves its way. THE STORM. FROM THE SAME. Ah ! turn not gentle maid away ! No more of love I come to speak — Nor shall my hopeless passion raise An angry blush upon thy cheek. But see ! the sky begins to lour And threatens an approaching storm ; Say, shall I lead thy flock to fold ? A friend that kindness may perform. 66 PLEASURES OP LOVE. O do not brave the tempest's rage — Say not thy heart is void of fear — But let me fold thy flock alone, And dearest Laura tarry here. See how those dark'ning clouds condense! And what a livid gloom they cast ! How fly the rustling leaves around Whirled swiftly by the madden'd blast ! And hollow sighs the moaning grove, And low the frighted swallow flies — Thin falls the shower, and on thy cheek, Like a bright tear, a raindrop lies. Ah ! see the beamy lightnings glare ! — Why would not Laura heed her swain ? Deeply the crashing thunder roars, And fast descends the drenching rain. Pale is thy cheek ! — oh ! thoughtless maid. Rashly the furious storm to brave! — Here ! — shield thy shrinking form beneath The shelter of this friendly cave. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 67 Ah, think not of thy simple flock, Instinct will prompt themselves to save — Here ! shield thy shrinking form beneath The shelter of this friendly cave. Why dost thou tremble, lovely maid ? What fears thy gentle bosom move ? I will from every danger guard thee, And will not talk to thee of love. Yes — while the beamy lightnings glare Thou shalt upon my bosom rest, And while the crashing thunder roar, Dear Laura shall be closer prest. But when the heavens again shall smile, Sweet trembler, when thy fears are o'er, At thy bidding I will leave thee, And if thou bid'st return no more. Meantime beneath this arching cave, Safe may'st thou sit and lull thy fear ; Scarce can be heard the thunder's roar, Scarce can the lightnings enter here. F 2 6*8 PLEASURES OF LOVE. And see the laurel's sacred shade The entrance of the cavern guards ; The laurel — meed of high desert — The fellest storm with awe regards. Then why does lovely Laura cling, So closely to my panting breast? And why betwixt her glowing hands Is mine so grasp'd, so warmly prest ? Oh ! if to Love and not to Fear, This dear, this close embrace I ow'd ! — Alas ! vain thought — oh ! bliss too great On hapless me to be bestowM ! O Laura, feed me not with hopes . That flatter only to deceive — Still, still you clasp me to your breast — Shall I this happy dream believe ? Shall I believe 'twas virgin shame The coy reserve I took for pride > Or think this terror only feign'd Thy glowing, trembling love to hide ? PLEASURES OV LOVE. *9 Why art thou silent, lovely maid ! Why bend to earth those melting eyes ? Why gently heaves this breast of snow ? Why breathe these tender, stifled sighs ? A dimpled smile plays round thy mouth, A warm blush mantles o'er thy cheek, — Spare, dearest Laura, spare thy words — That smile, that blush thy wishes speak. Blest be the hour the thunder roar'd, And blest the beamy lightning's glare— If after tempests come such calms, The storm who would not boldly dare? Blest be this cave, this happy cave, Where lock'd in Laura's arms I lie, While soft she murmurs in my ear, " Thus would I live, thus would I die !" f3 70 PLEASURES OF LOVE. EURILLJ. E R O M ROLL I. .EjURIlla's blue eyes, and her bright locks of gold The breast of a Dervise with love might inflame; Fair as snow is her bosom, but ah ! 'tis more cold, And no vows the coy pride of the virgin can tame. I said to my heart: "'tis in vain to pursue " A nymph that disdains thee, nor heeds thy fond pray'r; ** Alas ! foolish heart, 'tis in vain thou art true " To one, who, tho' lovely, is cruel as fair !" — " The fault is not mine," — with a sigh it replies, — " That my passion in spite of her scorn ne'er grows colder, e< The anguish I suffer I owe to her eyes, " Ere I cease to adore — you must cease to behold her." PLEASURES OF LOVE. 71 TO LAURA. FROM FRUGONI. THE ROSE. 1 he Morn first views, O lovely Rose, The bursting germ thy charms disclose, And hails thee queen of flowers — For who so sweetly scents the air, Or blushes with a glow so fair, In all Arcadia's bowers ? Yes — from the east with swifter speed' Aurora guides her panting steed Thy beauteous form to view — With thee alone she crowns her head, While from her burnish'd car is shed On thee her freshest dew. When the gay mother of the Love Wantons the day in Ida's grove, Thou to her lips art prest ; While the fond zephyrs of her train Breathe their soft sighs — nor sigh in vain — And nestle on thy breast. f4 72 PLEASURES OF LOVE. And when a garland for his fair The lover wreathes, were thou not there, The gift would be despis'd ; For thou, of every flower, sweet Rose, That April ' from her green lap throws,' Art most beloved and priz'd. But swiftly, swiftly flies the hour That views thy triumph, thoughtless flower, And soon thy beauties fade ; Then check that youthful pride, dear Rose, That vainly would thy form expose, And seek, ah ! seek the shade ! Tho' Flora o'er thy cheeks has spread Her loveliest tint of glowing red, And fenced thee round with thorns, Short is the reign the goddess gave — That spot ere long will be thy grave Thy beauty now adorns. Fainting beneath the noon-tide beam, Far from the shade or cooling stream, Thou'lt mourn the hapless doom That bared thy bosom to the Day, And gave thee to his arms a prey To wither all thy bloom. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 73 Tho' now so lovely fair to view, Ere thou can'st drink'Eve's fresh'ning dew, How pale will be that cheek ! Then seek, sweet rose — but ah ! in vain, Unheard I urge the friendly strain — Thou diest e'en while I speak. And thou, with youth's gay hopes elate, In yon poor flower's early fate Dear Laura see thy own — The lily of that swelling breast, Those smiles, too sweet to be exprest, Will soon, too soon be flown. Let pity beaming in thine eyes Bid my fond heart forget its sighs ! O bid me cease to mourn ! Oh ! give to joy the present day ! While the young loves around thee play- Once fled, they ne'er return. 74 PLEASURES OF LOVE. THE COMPLAINT. FROM ROLLI. Grant to a heart with anguish breaking. Ye woods and wilds, some short repose, Amid your silent horrors seeking Scenes congenial to its woes. The sportive dance, the sprightly measure Please no more my jaundic'd eye, I sicken at the sight of pleasure, I loath the light and wish to die. Tell me, ye shades, if here retiring My Laura's angel form you see ? — Alas ! how vain for her inquiring ! For her, who wanders far from me. How oft, beneath yon bower of roses, On that bank of violets blue, Where the fairy train reposes, And sips the cowslip's honied dew, rLEASURES OF LOVE. 75 Her snowy breast with rapture heaving Has to my glowing heart been prest! While to my lips her soft lips cleaving In murmuring sounds her love exprest. But swiftly fly the hours of pleasure, Swift as the rainbow's fleeting form, Ere you can seize the lovely treasure Vanishing amid the storm ! O, tell me then, dear shades, if ever Our fond hearts again shall meet ? — Echo seems to answer, "Never 1" Shrouded in her cool retreat. I hear a gentle murmur dying On the woodbine-scented gale- Is it Laura softly sighing, " Haste my quick return to hail ?" No, 'twas yon rill o'er pebbles straying, Murmuring in pity of my pain, On whose breast the moonbeam playing Points where it steals across the plain. 76 PLEASURES OF LOVE. May Love, sweet maid, thy breast inspiring, Lead thee to these shades once more, Ere my heart with madness firing Cease thy absence to deplore. But haste, or vain were thy returning, Unless to view my early doom, Or drop a tear with anguish burning Upon thy faithful lover's tomb. THE RIVAL. FROM FAUSTINA MARATTI. J. oo beauteous Rival, whose enticing charms Once to my heart's sole darling seem'd so fair, That oft he praises still thy ivory arms, Thy ruby lips, blue eyes, and auburn hair; Say, when he heard thy tongue's seducing strain, Stood he e'er silent, or with scorn replied ? Or turn'd with alter'd brow of cold disdain From thy soft smiles, as now from mine, aside > PLEASURES OF LOVE. 77 Once, once too well I know he held thee dear ; And then, when captive to thy sovereign will- But why that look abash'd, that starting tear, Those conscious blushes, which my fears fulfil? — Speak, answer, speak ! — Nay, answer not ; forbear; If thou must answer, that he loves thee still. SERENADE. If, like Phoebus in the west, Those brighter suns, thine eyes, at rest Hide their weary beams in night From me, who live but in their light, Oh ! how slow the hours will creep, Till from the east the day-star peep, And chasing slumber from thine eyes, Bid me to new life arise. There is a flower, that when the sun Begins his daily course to run, Spreads her leaves and shuts again When he dives into the main, — In love that flower resembles me, Thou sun of my idolatry ! ** 8 PLEASURES OF LOVE. VENUS ANGRY. FROM CAMOENS. And now confest before the throne of Jove, In all her charms appears the Queen of Love: Flush'd by the ardor of her rapid flight Through fields of aether and the realms of light. Bright as the blushes of the roseate morn, New blooming tints her glowing cheeks adorn ; Adown her neck, more while than virgin snow, Of softest hue the golden tresses flow ; Her heaving breasts of purer, softer white Than snow-hills glistening in the moon's pale light, Except where cover'd by the sash, were bare, And Love unseen smiled soft and panted there. As ivy tendrils, round her limbs divine Their spreading arms the young desires entwine : Below her waist, light quivering on the gale, Of thinnest texture flows the silken veil : — Ah ! where the lucid curtain dimly shews, With doubled fires the roving fancy glows !— The hand of modesty the foldings threw, Nor all conceal'd, nor all was given to view. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 79 Yet her deep grief her lovely face betrays, Though on her cheek the soft smile faltering plays. All heaven was moved,— as when some damsel coy Hurt by the rudeness of the amorous boy, Offended chides and smiles,— with angry mien Thus mixt with smiles, advanc'd the plaintive queen. THE ISLE OF LOVE. FROM THE SAME. As now triumphant to their native shore, Through the wide deep the Lusian navy bore, Earnest the pilot's eyes sought cape or bay, For long was yet the various watery way ; Sought cape or isle from whence their boats might bring The healthful bounty of the crystal spring: When sudden all in Nature's pride array'd, The Isle of Love its glowing breast display'd. 80 PLEASURES OF LOVE. O'er the green bosom of the dewy lawn Soft blazing flow'd the silver of the dawn, The gentle waves the glowing lustre share, Arabia's balm was sprinkled o'er the air. And now led smoothly o'er the furrow'd tide. Right to the Isle of Joy the vessels glide; And soon the fleet their ready anchors threw : — Lifted on eager tip-toe at the view, On nimble feet that bounded to the strand The second Argonauts elance to land. Wide o'er the beauteous isle the lovely fair Stray through the distant glades devoid of care : As fair Diana and her virgin train Some gaily ramble o'er the flowery plain, In feign'd pursuit of hare or bounding roe, Their graceful mien and beauteous limbs to shew ; Now seeming careless, fearful now and coy, — So taught the goddess of unutter'd joy, — And gliding through the distant glades display Each limb, each movement, naked as the day. Some light with glee in careless freedom take Their playful revels in the crystal lake ; One trembling stands no deeper than the knee To plunge reluctant, while in sportful glee PLEASURES OF LOVE. 81 Another o'er her sudden laves the tide ; In pearly drops the wishful waters glide Reluctant dropping from her breasts of snow: Beneath the wave another seems to glow; The amorous waves her bosom fondly kiss'd, And rose and fell, as panting on her breast. Another swims along with graceful pride, Her silver arms the glistening waves divide, Her shining sides the fondling waters lave, Her glowing cheeks are brightened by the wave, Her hair of mildest yellow flows from side To side, as o'er it plays the wanton tide; And careless as she turns, her thighs of snow Their tapering rounds in deeper lustre shew. Some gallant Lusians sought the woodland prey, And through the thickets forced the pathless way ; And some in shades impervious to the beam, Supinely listen'd to the murmuring stream : When sudden thro' the boughs the various dyes Of pink, of scarlet, and of azure rise. Swift from the verdant banks the loiterers spring, Down drops the arrow from the half-drawn string: Soon they behold 'twas not the rose's hue, The jonquil's yellow, nor the pansie's blue : G 82 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Dazzling the shades the nymphs appear — the zone And flowing scarf in gold and azure shone. Naked as Venus stood in Ida's bower, Some trust the dazzling charms of native power; Thro' the green boughs and darkling shades they shew The shining lustre of their native snow, And every tapering, every rounded swell Of thigh, of bosom, as they glide, reveal. As visions cloath'd in dazzling white they rise, Then steal unnoted from the flurried eyes : Again apparent, and again .withdrawn, They shine and wanton o'er the smiling lawn. Swift at the sight the gallant Lusians bound, Their rapid footsteps scarcely touch the ground ; Fleet thro' the winding shades in rapid flight The nymphs as wing'd with terror fly their sight. Fleet, though they fled the mild reverted eye, And dimpling smile their seeming fears deny. Fleet through the shades in parted route they glide: If winding path the chosen pairs divide, Another path by sweet mistake betrays, And throws the lover on the lover's gaze ; If dark-brow'd bower conceal the lovely fair, The/laugh, the shriek confess the charmer there. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 83 Luxurious here the wanton zephyrs toy, And every fondling, favoring art employ. Fleet as the fair one's speed, the busy gale In wanton frolic lifts the trembling veil ; White through the veil, in fairer brighter glow The lifted robe displays the living snow : Quick fluttering on the gale the robe conceals, Then instant to the glance each charm reveals, Reveals, and covers from the eyes on fire, Reveals, and with the shade inflames desire. One, as her breathless lover hastens on, With wily stumble sudden lies o'erthrown ; Confus'd, she rises with a blushing smile ; The lover falls the captive of her guile : Tript by the fair he tumbles on the mead, The joyful victim of his eager speed. Afar where sport the wantons in the lake, Another band of gallant youths betake ; The laugh, the shriek, the revel and the toy, Bespeak the innocence of youthful joy : The laugh, the shriek, the gallant Lusians hear, 1 As thro' the forest glades they chase the deer; For arm'd to chase the bounding roe they came, Unhoped the transport of a nobler game v c 2 84 PLEASURES OF LOVE. The naked wantons, as the youths appear, Shrill through the woods resound the shrieks of fear. Naked they spring to land and speed away To deepest shades unpierced by glaring day ; Thus yielding freely to the amorous eyes What to the amorous arms their fear denies. Some well assume Diana's virgin shame, When on her naked sports the hunter came Unwelcome — plunging in the crystal tide, In vain they strive their beauteous limbs to hide ; The lucid waves, ('twas all they could) bestow A milder lustre and a softer glow. As lost in earnest care of future need, Some to the banks to match their mantles speed, Of present view regardless ; every wile Was here, and every net of amorous guile. Whate'er the terror of the feign'd alarm, Display'd, in various force, was every charm. Nor idle stood the gallant youth ; the wing Of rapture lifts them, to the fair they spring, Spring each to her whose eyes from all the rest By singling him her secret wish confest. A son of Mars was there, of generous race, His every elegance of manly grace ; PLEASURES OF LOVE. 85 Amorous and brave, the bloom of April youth Glow'd on his cheek, his eye spoke simplest truth ; The purest delicacy fann'd his fires, And proudest honor nurs'd his fond desires. Not on the first that fair before him glow'd, Not on the first the youth his love bestow'd. In all her charms the fair Ephyre came, And Leonardo's heart was all on flame. Pattern of beauty did Ephyre shine, Nor less she wish'd these beauties to resign ; More than her sisters long'd her heart to yield, Yet swifter fled she o'er the smiling field ; Amid the windings of the bowery wood His trembling footsteps still the nymph pursued : Wooed to the flight she wing'd her speed to hear His amorous accents melting on her ear. And now she turns the wild walk's serpent maze ; A roseate bovver its velvet couch displays, The thickest moss its softest verdure spread, Crocus and mingling pansie fring'd the bed, The woodbine dropt its honey from above, And various roses crown's the sweet alcove. Here as she hastens, on the hopeless boy She turns her face all bathed in smiles of joy ; g 3 86 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Then, sinking down, her eyes suffused with love Glowing on his, one moment lost reprove. Het£ was no rival, all he wish'd his own ; Lock'd in her arms soft sinks the stripling down— Ah ! what soft murmurs panting thro' the bowers, Sigh'd to the raptures of the paramours; The wishful sigh and melting smile conspire, Devouring kisses fan the fiercer fire ; Sweet violence with dearest grace assails, Soft o'er the purpos'd frown the smile prevails, The purposed frown betrays its own deceit, In well-pleased laughter ends the rising threat ; The coy delay glides off in yielding love, And transport murmurs through the sacred grove. The joy of pleasing adds its sacred zest, And all is love, embracing and embrac'd. MADRIGAL. Pr'ythee, Cupid, hence — desist- Why should I increase the list Of boys, whose sole delights consist In kissing, and in being kiss'd? PLEASURES OF LOVE. S7 Starting eyes, and heaving snows, Lips, young rivals of the rose, Rounded limbs, and folding arms, Dreams of undiscovered charms, Bound their witchery once about me ; But, their prisoner now is free, Since on every side I see, There are fools enough without me ! Pr'ythee, Cupid, hence — desist — Why should I increase the list? SONNET. 1 sang of love — and in so sweet a strain, That hearts most hard weresoften'd at the sound, And blushing girls, who gaily throng'd around, Felt their souls tingle with delightful pain — For quaintly did my chaunted songs explain Those little secrets that in love abound — Life in a kiss, and death in absence found — Feign'd anger — slow content — and coy disdain, And hardihood, at length with conquest crown'd. c 4 88 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Yet did I not with these rude lips proclaim From whom my song such sweet instructions drew, Too weak, alas ! to pour the praises due From youthful gratitude, to grace the name Of her who kindly taught me all she knew ! A LOVER LIKENED TO A CLOCK. TROM PETRARCH. Dear Laura, I'm a clock ! — " a clock!" you cry- Yes — and for one sweet kiss I'll tell thee why. My thoughts — and often busy fancy steal O'er all thy glowing beauties — are the wheels ; This heart that loves — ah ! could I say how well It loves its fair enchantress ! — is the bell, On which the god of love, propitious Power, Strikes with his dart each gay revolving hour ; And thy perfection that inflames my soul Is the dear mainspring that directs the whole. ^Translations FROM THE 3Utm anti @mk> PLEASURES OF LOVE. 91 FROM BUCHJNJN. HAPPY the man, who, in thy sparkling eyes, His amorous wishes sees reflecting play ; Sees little laughing Cupids, glancing, rise, And in soft-swimming languor, die away ! Still happier he ! to whom thy meanings roll, In sounds which love, harmonious love, inspire ; On his charm'd ear sits rapt his listening soul, Till admiration form intense desire. Half deity is he who warm may press Thy lip, soft swelling to the kindling kiss; And may that lip assentive warmth express, Till love draw willing love to ardent bliss ! Circling thy waist and circled in thy arms, Who, melting on thy mutual melting breast, Entranc'd enjoys love's whole luxurious charms. Is all a god ! — is of all heaven possest. 92 PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO A NOSEGAY IN PANCHARILLA'S BOSOM. FROM BONEFONIUS. jMust you alone then, happy flow'rs — Ye short-liv'd sons of vernal show'rs, Must you alone be still thus blest, And dwell in Pancharilla's breast? Oh would the gods but hear my pray'r, To change my form and place me there ! I should not sure so quickly die. I should not so inactive lie ; But ever wand'ring to and fro, From this to that fair globe of snow, Enjoy ten thousand thousand blisses, And print on each ten thousand kisses. Nor would I rest till I had found Which globe was softest, which most round ; Which was most yielding, smooth, and white, Or the left bosom, or the right ; Which was the warmest, easiest bed, And which was tipp'd with purest red. TLEASURFS OF LOVE. £)3 Nor could I leave the beauteous scene, Till I had traced the path between, That milky-way so smooth and even, That promises to lead to Heaven. But ah ! those wishes all are vain, The fair one triumphs in my pain ; To flow'rs that know not to be blest, The nymph unveils her snowy breast ; While to her slave's desiring eyes, The heavenly prospect she denies : Too cruel fate, too cruel fair, To place a senseless nosegay there, And yet refuse my lips the bliss To taste one dear transporting kiss. KISSES. FROM JOHANNES SECUNDUS. When Venus in the sweet Idalian shade, A violet couch for young Ascanius made, Their opening gems th' obedient roses bow'd, And veil'd his beauties with a damask cloud ; 94 PLEASURES OF LOVE. While the bright goddess with a gentle shower Of nectar'd dews perfumed the blissful bower. Of sight insatiate she devours his charms, Till her soft breast rekindling ardor warms ; New joys tumultuous in her bosom roll, And all Adonis rusheth on her" soul : Transported with each dear resembling grace, She cries, Adonis ! — sure I see thy face ! Then stoops to clasp the beauteous form, but fears He'd wake too soon, and with a sigh forbears ; Yet, fix'd in silent rapture, stands to gaze, Kissing each flowering bud that round her plays : Swell'd with her touch, each animated rose Expands, and strait with warmer purple glows; Where infant kisses bloom, a balmy store 1 Redoubling all the bliss she felt before. FROM THE SAME. As the young enamour'd vine Round her elm delights to twine, As the clasping ivy throws Round her oak her wanton boughs, PLEASURES OF LOVE. 95 So close, expanding all thy charms, Fold me, my Chloris, in thy arms ! Closer, my Chloris, could it be, Would my fond arms encircle thee. In vain shall Nature call for sleep, We'll Love's eternal vigils keep : Thus, thus for ever let us lie, Dissolving in excess of joy, Till fate shall with a single dart Transfix the pair it cannot part. Thus join'd we'll fleet like Venus' doves, And seek the blest Elysian groves ; Where Spring in rosy triumph reigns Perpetual o'er the joyous plains: There lovers of heroic name Revive their long-extinguish'd flame, And o'er the fragrant vale advance In shining pomp to form the dance. Or sing of love and gay desire, Responsive to the warbling lyre ; Reclining soft in blissful bowers, Purpled sweet with springing flowers. 0,6" PLEASURES OF LOVE. And covered with a silken shade, Of laurel mix'd with myrtle made: Where flaunting in immortal bloom, The musk-rose scents the verdant gloom: Through which the whispering zephyrs fly, Softer than a virgin's sigh. FROM THE SAME. "One little kiss, sweet maid!" I cry, And round my neck your arms you twine; Your luscious lips of crimson dye With rapturous haste encounter mine. Then from my fond embrace you spring, And snatch your balmy mouth away ; As from the wounded serpent's sting The rustic starts in wild dismay. Is this to grant the promis'd kiss ! Ah ! no my love ! — 'tis but to fire The bosom with a hope of bliss j 'Tis but to tantalize desire. VLEASURES OF LOVE. 97 FROM THE SAME. Pis not a kiss you give my love, 'Tis nectar stol'n from gods above ; 'Tis thy soul's sweetness breathed in sighs, That on thy lip in dew-drops lies; 'Tis every sweet that zephyr's wing From Afric's spicy shores doth bring ; 'Tis honey, such as fills that hive "Whose wealth the chemist bees derive From thymy shrubs of purple glow, That on Hymettus' mountain blow J Or from those dew-bespangled flowers That perfume C'ecrops' roseate bowers. FROM THE SAME. I h' Idalian youth to pierce Neaera's heart Had bent his bow, and cull'd the fatal dart ; But when the boy, in wonder lost, survey'd That brow, o'er which your hair luxuriant play'd ; H 98 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Those cheeks, that blush'd the rose's warmest dye ; That streamy lustre of your piercing eye ; That downy bosom, seat of soft delight, Scarce Cypna's own could boast so pure a white: — Doubtful awhile he linger'd to decide; At length resolved he flung the shaft aside : Then rush'd impetuous to thy snowy arms, And hung voluptuous o'er thy glowing charms : There, as the youth in wanton folds was laid. Hi; lips o'er thine in varied kisses play'd ; With every kiss he tried a thousand wiles, A thousand gestures, and a thousand smiles ; Your inmost breast with Cyprian odors fill'd And all the myrtle's spicy scent instill'd : Lastly, he sw r ore by every power above, By Venus' self, the rosy queen of love, That thou, blest nymph, for ever shouldst remain Exempt from am'rous care, from am'rous pain. What wonder then such balmy sweets should flow In ev'ry dewy kiss thy lips bestow ! What wonder then, obdurate maid, you prove Averse to all the tenderness of love. 1'LEASURES OF LOVE. 99 FROM THE SAME. Jjathed in the fresh'ning clew of night Roses blush a softer light ; So blush thy lips from many a kiss Snatch'd in a long, long night of bliss, Blush, and steal a tint more bright From thy skin of snowy white : Thus violets shed a purer blue Held in some hand of lily hue; Thus early-ripening cherries glow, 'Mid blossoms white that later blow, When Summer drest in garlands sweet And dew-eyed Spring together meet. — Ah ! must I leave thee, while I sip Thy soul embodied on thy lip ; Then let thy pulpy lip retain That dewy glow, till night again Bring me, while others sink to rest, To wake in raptures on thy breast. But should those lovely lips of thine Ere then bless any lips but mine, h 2 100 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Pale may they turn ! as deadly pale As I should turn to know thee frail ! TO LYDIJ. FROM CALLUS. JLovely Lydia, lovely maid, Either rose in thee's display 'd ; Roses of a blushing red O'er thy lips and cheeks are shed ; Roses of a paler hue In thy fairer charms we view Now thy braided hair unbind ; Now luxuriant, unconfined Let thy wavy tresses flow, ^Tresses bright, of burnish'd glow. Bare thy ivory neck, my fair, Now thy snowy shoulders bare; Bid the vivid lustre rise In thy passion-streaming eyes: See ! the lucent meteors gleam, See ! they speak the wishful flame. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 101 And how gracefully above, Modell'd from the bow of Love Are thy arching brows display'd, Soft'ning in a sable shade. Let a warmer crimson streak The velvet of thy downy cheek ; Let thy lips, that breathe perfume, Deeper purple now assume: Give me little billing kisses, Iutermixt with murmuring blisses ; Soft, my love — my angel, stay — Soft ! — you suck my breath away ; Drink the life-drops of my heart ; Draw my soul from every part ; Scarce my senses can sustain So much pleasure, so much pain. Hide thy broad, voluptuous breast ; Hide that balmy heaven of rest ; See ! to feast th' enamour'd eyes, How the snowy hillocks rise ; Parted by the luscious vale, Whence luxurious sweets exhale, Nature framed thee but t' inspire Never-ending fond desire ! h3 102 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Again, above its envious vest, See ! thy bosom heaves confest : Hide the rapturous dear delight, Hide it from my ravish'd sight, Hide it, — for through all my soul Tides of madd'ning transport roll; Heaving now th' impassion'd sigh, See me languish, see me die ! Tear not from me, then, thy charms; Snatch, oh ! snatch me to thy arms ; With a life-inspiring kiss, Wake my sinking soul to bliss. CUPID ROBBED. FROM JULIUS ANGERIANUS. As fast beside a murmuring stream, In blissful visions Cupid lay, Chloe, as she softly came, Snatch'd his golden shafts away. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 103 From place to place in sad surprise The little angry godhead flew : Trembling in his ruddy eyes Hung the pearly drops of dew. So on the rose, in blooming May, When purple Phoebus rises bright, Liquid gems of silver lay, Pierc'd with glittering streams of light. Fair Venus with a tender languish, Smiling, thus her son addrest, As he murmur'd out his anguish Trembling on her snowy breast: " Peace, gentle infant, I implore, " Nor lavish precious tears in vain ; " Chloe, when the jest is o'er, " Brings the useless shafts again. "Can Chloe need the shafts of love, "Young, blooming, witty, plump and fair " Charms and raptures round her move " Murmuring sighs and deep despal H ik 104 PLEASURES OF LOVE. " Millions for her unheeded die, " Millions to her their blessings owe; " Every motion of her eye " Murders more than Cupid's bow !" ACHILLES AND DEW AMI J. IMITATED FROM OVID. Youthful Achilles, in Bithynia's court, Had made a private, and a long resort : By his fond careful mother warn'd from war, His sex disguised, he lurked among the fair In the same room by chance a royal maid Was lodg'd, and, by his seeming sex, betray Close to her side the youthful hero laid. I know not how his courtship he began; But, to her cost, she found it was a man. 'Tis thought she struggled, but withal 'tis thought Her wish was to be conquer'd, when she fought. For when disclosed, and hastening to the field, He laid his distaff down, and took the shield; ri PLEASURES OF LOVE. 105 On his dear neck her snowy arms she hung, And streaming tears awhile restrain'd her tongue. But at the last, her dismal silence broke, These mournful words the weeping princess spoke: Whither, ah ! whither would Achilles flee? From all he's dearest to, from love and me ? Are not my charms the same ? the same their pow'r? Have I lost mine ? or has Bellona more ? Oh ! let me not so poorly be forsook, But view me, view me, with your usual look. Would you, unkind, from these embraces break ? Is glory grown so strong ? or I so weak ? Glory is not your only call, I fear, You go to meet some other mistress there. Go then, ungrateful, tho' from me you fly, You'll never meet with one so fond as \ : Thus will I clasp thee to my panting breast, And thus detain thee to my bosom prest. And while I fold thee thus, and thus These kisses, to restore thy wand'rii What dismal soundof warshall snatch i What tho' the gods have order'd you shall go, Or Greece return inglorious from her foe ? us dispense "} ing sense, V ch thee hence t) 106 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Have not the self-same cruel gods decreed, That if you went, you should as surely bleed ? Then since your fate is destin'd to be such, Ah ! think, can any Troy be worth so much ? Let Greece, whate'er she please, for vengeance give, Secure at home shall my Achilles live. Troy, built by heavenly hands, may stand or fall; You never shall obey the fatal call. Your Deidamia swears you shall not go, Life would be dear to you if she were so. If not your own, at least my safety prize, For with Achilles Deidamia dies. All this and more, the lovely mournful maid Told the sad youth, who sigh'd at all she said. Now would he think on arms ; but when he gave A side-long glance on her he was to leave: Then his tumultuous thoughts began to jar, And love and glory held a doubtful war. Till with a deep-drawn sigh, and mighty course Of tears, which nothing else but love could force, To the dear maid he turns his wat'ry eyes, And to her sad discourse, as sad replies. 1 PLEASURES OF LOVE. 107 Thou late best blessing of my joyful heart, Now grown my grief, since I must now depart, Behold the pangs I bear ; look up and see How much I grieve to go ; and comfort me. Curse on that cunning traitor's smooth deceit, Whose craft has made me, to my ruin, great. Curse on that artifice by which I fell, Curse on these hands for wielding swords so well. Tho' I should ne'er so fit for battle prove, All my ambition's to be fit for love. In his soft wars I would my life beguile, With thee contend in the transporting toil, Ravish'd to read my triumph in thy smile. J Boldly I'd strive, yet e'en when conqu'ring yield To thee the glory of the bloodless field. With liquid fires, melt thy rich beauties down ; Rifle thy wealth, yet give thee all my own. So should our wars be rapture and delight ; But now I'm summon'd to another fight. 'Tis not my fault that I am forced away ; But when my honor calls I must obey. Durst I not death and ev'ry clanger brave, I were not worthy of the bliss I have. More hazards than another would I meet, Only to lay more laurels at your feet. 108 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Oh ! do not fear that I should faithless prove, For you, my only life, have all my love. The thought of you shall help me to subdue, I'll conquer, faster, to return to you. But, if my honors should be laid in dust, And I must fall, as heav'n has said I must ; Ev'n in my death my only grief will be That I for ever shall be snatch'd from thee ! That, that alone occasions all my fears, Shakes my resolves, and melts me into tears. My beating heart pants to thee as I speak, And wishes rather than depart to break. Feel how it trembles with a panic fright : Sure it will never fail me thus in fight ! I cannot longer hold this fond discourse, For now the trumpets sound our sad divorce. Sound every trumpet there, beat ev'ry drum ; Use all your charms to make Achilles come. Farewel alas ! I have not time to tell How wond'rous loth I part, once more farewel ! Remember me, as I'll remember you, Like me be constant, and like me be true : Gods ! I shall ne'er be gone; adieu, adieu, adieu ! 1 PLEASURES OF LOVE. 109 THE PERJURED MISTRESS. FROM HORACE. ' 1 was night, and Heaven intent with all its eyes Gazed on the dear deceitful maid ; A thousand pretty things she said, A thousand artful tricks she play'd, From me, deluded me, her falsehood to disguise. She clasp'd me in her soft encircling arms, She press'd her glowing cheek to mine, The clinging ivy, or the curling vine, Did never yet so closely twine ; Who could be manandbear thelustreof hercharms? And thus she swore : " By all the powers above, '•* When winter storms shall cease to roar, " When summer suns shall shine no more, " When wolves their cruelty give o'er, " Nesera then, and not till then, shall cease to love." 110 1'LEASURES OF LOVE. Ah ! false Neaera ! perjured fair i but know I have a soul too great to bear A rival's proud insulting air ; Another may be found as fair, As fair, ungrateful nymph ! and far more just than you. Shouldst thou repent, and at my feet be laid Dejected, penitent, forlorn, And all thy former follies mourn, Thy proffer'd passion I would scorn : — The gods shall do me right on that devoted head. DELIA LOST. FROM TIBULLUS. JJe who could first two gentle hearts unbind, And rob a lover of his weeping fair, Hard was the man, but harder in my mind The lover still who died not of despair ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. HI With mean disguise let others nature hide, And mimic virtue with the paint of art, I scorn the cheat of reason's foolish pride, And boast the graceful weakness of my heart. The more I think the more I feel my pain, And learn the more each heavenly charm to prize; While fools too light for passion to remain, And dull sensation keeps the stupid wise. Sad is my day and sad my ling- . mg night, When wrapt in silent grief I weep alone ; Delia is lost, and all my past delight Is now the source of unavailing moan. Where is the wit that heighten'd beauty's charms ? Where is the face that fed my longing eyes? Where is the shape that might have blest my arms? Where are those hopes relentless fate denies? When spent with endless grief I die at last, Delia may come and see my poor remains, — Oh Delia ! after such an absence past, Can'st thou still love, and not forget my pains 112 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Wilt thou in tears thy lover's corse attend With eyes averted light the solemn pyre, Till all around the doleful flames ascend, Then slowly sinking by degrees expire? To soothe the hovering soul, be thine the care, With plaintive cries to lead the mournful band, In sable weeds the golden vase to bear And cull my ashes with thy trembling hand ! Panchaia's odours be their costly feast, And all the pride of Asia's fragrant year, Give them the treasures of the farthest East, And, what is still more precious, give thy tear ! ANACREONTIC. FROM JULIANUS iEGYPTIUS. Asa garland once I wove, I found, amid the roses, Love . Fast by the wings the rogue I caught, And drench'd him in a copious draught. PLEASURES OF LOVE. H3 Heedless wretch ! I took the cup, And drank it to the bottom up. Still I feel his tingling dart, Still he flutters at my heart. THE KISS. 'Xwas she — 'twas she, the gentle maid, At eve, beneath the myrtle shade, Kiss'd me with moist and pulpy lip :— Ev'n yet that rich, ripe, rapturous kiss, That balmy breath, a nectar'd bliss, Feast of the gods ! I seem to sip ! Love's honied draughts can never cloy: But, ah ! in storms of passion tost, Now, now, my madd'ning soul is lost, Drunk with the mighty joy ! FROM BION. As late I slumbering lay, before my sight Bright Venus rose in visions of the night; She led young Cupid, as in thought profound His modest eyes were fixed upon the ground, i 1 14* PLEASURES 07 LOVE. And thus she spoke : " To thee, dear swain, I bring " My little son ; instruct the boy to sing." No more she said, but vanish'd into air, And left the wily pupil to my care : J, sure I was an idiot for my pains, Began to teach him old bucolic strains ; How Pan the pipe, how Pallas form'd the flute, Phoebus the lyre, and Mercury the lute : — Love to my lessons quite regardless grown, Sung lighter lays and sonnets of his own, Th' amours of men below, and gods above, And all the triumphs of the Queen of Love. I, sure the simplest of all shepherd swains, — Full soon forgot my old bucolic strains ; The lighter lays of Love my fancy caught, And I remember'd all that Cupid taught. TO THE EIENING-STJR. FROM MOSCHUS. Hail, golden star ! of ray serene, Thou fav'rite of the Cyprian queen, O Hesper ! glory of the night, Diffusing through the gloom delight, TLEASURES OF LOVE. 115 Whose beams all other stars outshine As much as silver Cynthia thine. O! guide me, speeding o'er the plain, To him I love, my shepherd swain ; He keeps the mirthful feast, and soon Dark shades will cloud the splendid moon. Of lambs I never robb'd the fold, Nor the lone traveller of gold ; Love is my crime : O lend thy ray To guide a lover on her way ! May the bright star of Venus prove The gentle harbinger of love ■ TO HIS MISTRESS. FROM ANACREOtf. 1 hough cold winter o'er my brow Sheds a scattered shower of snow, Waving locks of silver hair, Fly me not capricious fair ! Tho' the Spring's enlivening pow^r Blossom in your beauty's flow'r, 12 i 16 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Fly me not, nor slight my love ;— In this chaplet, lo ! are wove Lucid colours blending bright, Roses red and lilies white : We, methinks, resemble those : I the lily, you the rose. HYMN TO VENUS. FROM SAPPHO. O Venus, beauty of the skies, To whom a thousand temples rise. Gaily false in gentle smiles, Full of love-perplexing wiles, O, goddess, from my heart remove The wasting cares and pains of love. If ever thou hast kindly heard A song in soft distress preferr'd, Propitious to my tuneful vow O gentle goddess, hear me now : Descend, thou bright, immortal guest, In all thy radiant charms confest. MEASURES OF LOVE. 1 IT Thou once didst leave almighty Jove, And all the golden roofs above : The car thy wanton sparrows drew, Hovering in air they lightly flew ; As to my bower they wing'd their way saw their quivering pinions play. The birds dismiss'd, while you remain, Bore back their empty car again : Then you, with looks divinely mild, In every heavenly feature smil'd, And ask'd what new complaints I made, And why I call'd you to my aid ? — What frenzy in my bosom raged And by what care to be assuaged ; — What gentle youth I would allure, Whom in my artful toils secure ; — " Who does thy tender heart subdue " Tell me, my Sappho, tell me who ? " Though now he shun thy longing arms, " He soon shall court thy slighted charms ; " Though now thy offerings he despise, " He soon to thee shall sacrifice ; i3 118 PLEASURES OF LOVE. " Tho' now he freeze, he soon shall burn, " And be thy victim in his turn." Celestial visitant, once more Thy needful presence I implore ! In pity come and ease my grief, Bring my distemper'd soul relief: Favour thy suppliant's hidden fires, And give me all my heart desires. ODE. FROM ANACREON. Here recline you, gentle maid, Sweet is this imbowering shade : Sweet the young, the modest trees, Ruffled by the kissing breeze ! Sweet the little founts that weep, Lulling bland the mind to sleep ; Hark ! they whisper as they roll, Calm persuasion to the soul ! Tell me, tell me, is not this All a stilly scene of bliss ? Who, my girl, would pass it by ? Surely neither you nor I ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 119 ODE. FROM THE SAME. Oupid once upon a bed Of roses laid his weary head ; Luckless urchin, not to see Within the leaves a slumbering bee ! The bee awak'd — with anger wild The bee awak'd, and stung the child. Loud and piteous are his cries ; To Venus quick he runs, he flies ! " Oh mother! — I am wounded through — " I die with pain — in sooth I do ! " Stung by some little angry thing, " Some serpent on a tiny wing — " A bee it was — for once, 1 know " I heard a rustic call it so." Thus he spoke, and she the while Heard him with a soothing smile ; Then said, " My infant, if so much " Thou feel the little wild-bee's touch " How must the heart, ah Cupid ! be, " The hapless heart that's stung by thee !" 120 PLEASURES OF LOVE. ODE. FROM THE SAME. Monarch Love! resistless boy, With whom the rosy Queen of Joy, And nymphs, that glance ethereal blue, Disporting tread the mountain-dew ; Propitious, oh ! receive my sighs, Which burning with entreaty, rise, That thou wilt whisper to the breast Of her I love thy soft behest; And counsel her to learn from thee The lesson thou hast taught to me. Ah ! if my heart no flattery tell, Thou'lt own I've learn'd that lesson well ! $3otms, ©rfginal anti idecteo. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 123 CUPID AKD PSYCHE. WEARIED with toying, Love had sunk to sleep Upon a bank of moss, while o'er him sprung, Spontaneous, a canopy of flowers ; Poppies of scarlet die, whose nodding heads Upon his eyelids shed their drowsy balm : And intertwined with these the paler rose, "Whose scented blossoms bathed in lucid dew Wooed the soft breeze to loiter as it pass'd, And borrow fragrant coolness. — Near him lay His bow and quiver, fraught with fatal shafts, Winged with hope, but dipt in tears of woe. While thus he slept, his lovely Psyche came, So lightly treading, that her snowy foot Brush'd not the dew-drop from the cowslip's bell. Awhile she stood to gaze, her heavenly face Beaming aetherial love; then kneeling down, So gently that her amber-scented breath Stirr'd not the gossamer, she culled a dart, And on its point impress'd a balmy kiss 124 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Of love and sweetness redolent ; then turn'd The thrilling weapon on her sleeping spouse, And innocently playful lightly press'd The point upon his bosom :— at the touch The god awoke, and felt through all his veins The pleasing poison coursing : but his Love When he beheld, he sank upon her breast, His filmy pinions shivering with delight. THE GENIUS AND ABDALLA. 13y the translucent stream that winds Through Mavra's vale, the vale of roses, Where weary Zephyr bathes his wing, And upon beds of sweets reposes : Stript of his vest Abdalla stood In youth and health and beauty glowing ; His raven hair stream'd to the wind In graceful curls luxuriant flowing. VLEASURES OF LOVE. 125 Ah ! many a nymph of Mavra's vale For him had dropp'd the tear of anguish ! They love, but without hope they love, He saw, but ask'd not why they languish. "While on the flowery brink he hung, The stream upon its azure bosom Bore to his feet a lifeless form, Fair as the lotus' bursting blossom; Abdalla plunged into the tide, To save her from the watry danger ; And soon upon th' enamell'd bank Softly reposed the lovely stranger. But scarce the drops, that on her breast Like dew upon a lily standing, Had trickled from their snowy seat, Ere their pellucid veils expanding, Her eyes their thrilling rays disclosed, With such a soften'd radiance beaming, As bursts from out a weeping cloud The moon in silver brightness streaming. 126 PLEASURES OF LOVK. The glow of her reviving charms Shed an effulgent lustre o'er her: Abdalla wish'd, yet fear'd to love — He sigh'd, — and prostrate fell before her. " Rise., mortal, rise," the fair one cried, " Nor dread to fix thine eye upon me, " A Genius * of the air am I ; — " I know thy wishes, thou hast won me : * Lest it should be objected that eastern mythology is violated by representing a Genius as subject to mortality, the following extract is made from the Tales of the Genii, •which indeed furnished the hint of the incident. " As the shepherd Canfu was one d;?y sitting on a stone, and watching his flock by the side of a cascade, which ran foaming from the rocks above, he perceived a naked body come tumbling down the torrent, and which having passed the fall, swam on the surface of the waters, and seemed to all appearance dead. He could not behold such a sight without endeavoring to rescue the body from the current, which he effected with the crook, as the strerm, though ra- pid, was very narrow. Having pulled it on the bank, he perceived it was the body of a beautiful woman, which, as soon as the water dried from it, gave signs of life, and by degrees recove>ed its powers of action. " Canfu was greatly surprised to find that she was so soon recovered; nor was his amazement lessened, when he percei.ed ;i web like a wing expand from each shoulder, PLEASURES OP LOVE. 127 " But to possess me too, thy deeds " Must be as thy desires aspiring, " To fields of aether must thou soar, " Far from thy native vale retiring." " Angel of Light," Abdalla cried, " I do not fear to follow thither, " But will the eagle lend me wings " To mount into the fields of aether ?" " Thou shalt not need the eagle's wing " Above the realms of light to bear thee:— " The sage Alrumi's wond'rous art " Unwearying pinions shall prepare thee." and saw the fair stranger mount into the air like an eagle soaring to the sun. Canfu watched her with his eyes; on a sudden he perceived a second figure in the air ; the winged female attacked it and was repulsed, and fell again into the lake ; the shepherd in amaze drew the body out again, which, being dried, revived as before. " It is in vain, O Canfu," cried she, " to strive against a race who are my superiors. But for your kindness I must have perished : for such is my nature, that the water, in the time that the sun runs his course round the earth, would dissolve my being." TALES OF THE GENII. T. 4. 128 PLEASURES OF LOVE. She ceased, and lightly from the ground She sprung, her purple wings extending, While o'er them waved her golden hair, Their glowing hues together blending. Swift as a gliding star at eve, His youthful breast with rapture swelling, Abdalla hasten'd up the mount, Where stood Alrumi's mystic dwelling. To form his work the artist chose Of various color many a feather ; Their quills in charmed gums he set. And bound with magic words together. As into form the pinions grew, O ! who can paint the eager lover ! Impatient hope and silent fear By turns his anxious looks discover. But when upon his outstretch'd arms The sage affix'd the plumy treasure, How did his swimming eyes express His gratitude, his love, his pleasure ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 129 Enraptured from the earth he sprung, And on the air's soft breast reclining To realms of bliss he wing'd his way, Through skies with worlds resplendent shining. There, with his blooming Genius blest, To Love each happy hour is given : — 'Tis extacy, 'tis rapture all, 'Tis more than can be thought of Heaven. THE ANNIVERSARY. Tho' the verdure of Spring is no more, Tho' the zephyr has long ceased to sigh ; Tho' the sunshine of Summer is o'er ; Nor Autumn's gay tints glad the eye ; Tho' Winter o'er hill and o'er plain His frost-spangled mantle has spread ; Tho' I feel him in every vein, While his winds loudly howl round my head K 130 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Yet I hail his return with delight, My bosom with fresh passion glows ;— A passion, whose flame burns more bright And steals lustre and warmth from his snows: For neither the zephyr of Spring, Nor Summer's warm breath fann'd the fire, And the Robin had long ceased to sing Ere I felt the soft thrill of desire. But 'twas when the bright icicle hung, Where erst droop'd the heath's purple bell, To the oak the last leaf faintly clung, As e'en yet loth to take its farewel ; — Yet 'twas then first my Sarah I saw, Then first felt the beam of her eye, Whose brightness a hermit would thaw, And teach him with passion to sigh. 'Tis said that variety charms ; That one object can never long please ; But variety dwells in her arms, But with life her attractions can cease: Still, as oft as this time shall return, Will she round my neck fondly twine ? Ah yes ! that dear bosom will burn With a passion as deathless as mine. PLEASURES OE LOVE. 131 SONG. Its filmy wing of azure hue Lightly the fluttering insect plies, Breathless the youthful train pursue, But onward still the wanderer flies ; If one at length the prize obtain, He thinks it fairer for his pain ; — So 'tis with Love. What sweetens the poor peasant's sleep ? What makes the warrior's laurel dear? Why joy the heroes of the deep, When first their native cliffs appear ? Oh ! 'tis the thought of dangers o'er Gives present bliss to charm the more ; — So 'tis with Love ! K 2 132 PLEASURES OF LOVE. SONG. (jive me, Charlotte, e'er we part, Some dear token of your heart : Look on me, and let me spy, In the language of your eye, Gentle pardon of my Love, Smiling grace, that may remove Fear, and doubt, and dull despair : Smile ; and I will fancy there Soft compassion of my flame, Love, that comes in Friendship's name ; Leave to hope for future bliss : — Weep, and I am sure of this ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 13' TO DELIA. Dried be that tear, my gentlest love, Be hush'd that struggling sigh, Not Season's day, nor fate shall prove More fixt, more true than I ! Hush'd be that sigh, be dry that tear, Cease boding doubt, cease anxious fear. Dost ask how long my vows shall stay When all that's new is past ? How long my Delia, can I say How long my life will last ? Dried be that tear, be hush'd that sigh, At least I'll love thee till I die. And does that thought affect thee too, The thought of Sylvia's death, That he who only breathes for you Must yield that faithful breath ? Hush'd be that sigh, be dried that tear, Nor let us lose our heaven here ! »i. . i ■ »» k3 134 PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO A LADY, WHO SEEMED TO TRIFLE WITH THE AUTHOR'S PASSION. Call me not false: by Heaven's decree Before thy haughty charms I bow'd : But Heav'n foresaw thy cruelty ; And, from thy scorn to set me free, A more enlarged love bestow'd. On me thy smiles no longer shine ; To Delia I again remove: What! should I in despair sit down Beneath the darkness of thy Frown, Until the rising of thy Love ! Still to thy beauty let me sue : While thou art kind I'm thine alone : But think not that I'll vainly woo ; The heart that's large enough for two Will never, never break for one. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 135 TO A KISS. Humid seal of soft affections, Tenderest pledge of future bliss, Dearest tie of young connexions, Love's first snow-drop, Virgin Kiss ! Speaking silence ! dumb confession ! Passion's birth and infant play ! Dove-like fondness, chaste concession, Glowing dawn of brighter day ! Sorrowing joy ! Adieu's last action, When lingering lips no more must join ! What words can ever speak affection So thrilling, so sincere as thine ! Thee the fond youth, untaught and simple, Nor on the naked breast can find, Nor yet within the cheek's small dimple — Sole offspring thou of lips conjoin'd! Then haste thee to thy dewy mansion : With Hebe spend thy laughing clay Dwell in her rubied lip's expansion, Bask in her eye's propitious ray ! k4 136 PLEASURES OF LOVE. SONG. Artless words of unfeign'd passion With harmonious numbers join'd, Soothly try your soft persuasion On Eliza's gentle mind. For her ear alone intended, Other censure nought regard: If by her you are commended, 'Tis enough for your reward. But why thus you seek to move her, Strive not further to explain : If her heart will not discover, You or I should tell in vain. PLEASURES OF LOVE. '37 ODE TO FANCY. Oh Thou ! whose empire unconfmed Rules all the busy realms of Mind ! The slow-eyed cares thy mild dominion Confess ; if thou thy rod extend, No more the sharp-fang'd sorrows rend, But hovering round on frolic pinion The laughing train of Joys descend. To soothe the woes of absent love, Come Fancy ! Now, what time above The full orb'd-Moon, that rose all-glowing, Begins her lifted lamp to pale ; What time to charm the listening vale, In liquid warbles fondly-flowing Laments th' enamor'd Nightingale. In softly-pleasing light, the Queen Of Heaven arrays the blue serene ; Yet lovelier beams the gentle glory 138 PLEASURES OF LOVE. In Anna's azure eyes display'd : Sweet is the poet of the shade ; Yet sweeter than his warbled story- Each sound from Anna's lip convey'd. Nor haply shall I ever find That tongue to me alone unkind, On every grief but mine so ready To bid the balm of comfort flow ; Nor shall that eye, which every woe But mine can melt, thus ever steady To me alone no pity shew. Like mine, her bosom now may feel The tender melancholy steal, Tho' maiden modesty dissemble ; And now, while Memory brings again The Muse which first revealed my pain, Th' involuntary tear may tremble, And own the triumph of the strain : So whispers Hope : by Fancy led She comes ; — with rosy wreaths her head, With rosy wreaths her sacred anchor PLEASURES OF LOVE. 135 Love intertwines in vain employ ; For lo ! behind the exulting boy, With stifled smiles of patient rancour Creeps Mockery, watchful to destroy. Ah ! still, tho' whisper' d to deceive, Let me thy flatteries, Hope, believe, Content from Grief one hour to borrow ! Ah ! still, if o'er my distant way, As through the path of Life, I stray, Hang gathering clouds of future sorrow, O Fancy gild them with thy ray ! FORTUNE-TELLING, WITH CARDS. Dear Nancy, if you wish to know What fate reserves in store for you, Ask not the idle cards to show ; I'll tell as wisely, and as true 140 PLEASURES OF LOVE. For I will take a magic book Of characters divinely fair ; Upon thy lovely self I'll look, And read, dear girl, thy fortune there. By those love-darting eyes I find How many hearts their empire own; I see the sweetness of thy mind That keeps the hearts those eyes have won: Yet none, among so many hearts, Nor any you shall yet subdue, Should you join all their better parts, Can make a heart to merit you. Now, shall I look into your breast And see what heart is favor'd there ? No — be that fatal truth suppress'd, Lest I should sink in my despair ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 141 OLIVIA SLEEPING. 1 he Night her empire had resign'd, And bright the Sun his orb display'd, No more to Sleep my eyes inclined, Yet near my love I still delay'd. Still blest delay'd ; a casual beam Had glanced the curtain's veil beside, And pour'd its unexpected gleam Where lay reposed my bosom's pride. O'er her I hung, and watch'd the ray Thro' her loose tresses shadowy wind, And round that neck soft fade away Which on my happy arm reclined. More full, the beam reveal'd to view The cheek which warm in slumber glow'd, The lip which ere I bade adieu, Look'd as if still it kisses ow'd. 142 I'TEASURES OF LOVR. But sure that cheek too warmly glows, Disturb'd, distress'd my love appears ; Quick throbs her heart — I'll bid unclose Those beauteous eyes — they stream with tears. Olivia ! — deep her bosom sigh'd, Her eyes diffused a saddened gleam, Till starting — " Art thou there ?" she cried — " Ah me ! how blest — 'twas but a dream !" THE BRAES OF YARROW. BY LOGAN. " Thy braes were bonny, Yarrow stream ! " When first on them I met my lover ; " Thy braes how dreary Yarrow stream, " When now thy waves his body cover ! " For ever now, O Yarrow stream ! " Thou art to me a stream of sorrow ; " For never on thy banks shall I " Behold my love, the flower of Yarrow. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 143 " He promised me a milk-white steed, " To bear me to his father's bowers ; " He promised me a little page, " To 'squire me to his father's towers ; " He promised me a wedding ring, — " The wedding-day was fix'd to-morrow; — " Now he is wedded to his grave, " Alas, his watery grave in Yarrow ! '* Sweet were his words when last we met ; " My passion I as freely told him ! " Clasp'd in his arms, I little thought " That I should never more behold him ; " Scarce was he gone, I saw his ghost ; " It vanish'd with a shriek of sorrow ; " Thrice did the water-wraith ascend, " A.nd gave a doleful groan through Yarrow ! " His mother from the window look'd, " With all the longing of a mother ; " His little sister weeping walk'd " The green-wood path to meet her brother : " They sought him east, they sought him west, " They sought him all the forest thorough, " They only saw the cloud of night, " They only heard the roar of Yarrow. 14i PLEASURES OF LOVE. " No longer from thy window look, " Thou hast no son, thou tender mother ! " No longer walk, thou lovely maid ! " Alas, thou hast no more a brother ! " No longer seek him east or west, " And search no more the forest thorough ; " For wandering in the night so dark, " He fell a lifeless corse in Yarrow. " The tear shall never leave my cheek, " No other youth shall be my marrow ; " I'll seek thy body in the stream, " And then with thee I'll sleep in Yarrow." The tear did never leave her cheek, No other youth became her marrow ; She found his body in the stream, And now with him she sleeps in Yarrow. PLEASURES OF LOVE. H5 TO MYRA. BY J. THOMPSON. O thou, whose tender serious eyes Expressive speak the mind I love-; The gentle azure of the skies, The pensive shadows of the grove : O mix their beauteous beams with mine, And let us interchange our hearts ; Let all their sweetness on me shine, Pour'd through my soul be all their darts. Ah ! 'tis too much ! I cannot bear At once so soft, so keen, a ray : In pity, then, my lovely fair, O turn those killing eyes away ! But what avails it to conceal One charm, where none but charms we see? Their lustre then again reveal, And let me, Myra, die of thee. 146 PLEASURES Or LOVE. MA Y. BY W. THOMPSON. Come, bounteous May, in fulness of thy might, Lead briskly on the mirth-infusing Hours. All recent from the bosom of delight, With nectar nurtured, and involved in flow'rs : By Spring's sweet blush, by Nature's teeming womb, By Hebe's dimply smile, by Flora's bloom, By Venus' self, (for Venus' self demands thee) come I By the warm sighs, in dewy even-tide, Of melting maidens in the woodbine groves, To pity loosen'd soften'd down from pride; — By billing turtles and by cooing doves; By the youth's plaining stealing on the air, (For youths will plain, though yielding be the fair) Hither to bless the maidens and the youths repair. She comes! — A silken camus, em'rald-green Gracefully loose adown her shoulders flows, Fit to enfold the limbs of Paphos' queen, And with the labors of the needle glows, PLEASURES OY LOVE. I £ tt Purfled by Nature's hand. — The amorous air And musky western breezes fast repair Her mantle proud to swell, and wanton with her hair. Her hair, — but rather threads of light it seems, — With the gay honours of the Spring entwin'd, Copious unbound, in nectar'd ringlets streams, Floats glitt'ring on the sun, and scents the wind, Love-sick with odors. — Now to order roll'd It melts upon her bosom's dainty mould, Or curling round her waist, disparts its wavy gold. Young circling roses blushing round them throw The sweet abundance of their purple rays, And lilies dipp'd in fragrance freshly blow With blended beauties in her angel face. The humid radiance beaming from her eyes The air and seas illumes, the earth and skies, And open, where she smiles, the sweets of Paradise. On zephyr's wing the laughing goddess view, Distilling balm : — she cleaves the buxom air, Attended by the silver-footed dew, The ravages of winter to repair, L 2 14S PLEASURES OF LOVE. She gives her naked bosom to the gales, Her naked bosom down the ether sails ; Her bosom breathes delight ; her breath the spring exhales. THE LOVERS NIGHT. BY THE SAME. jUull'd in the arms of him she loved Ianthe sighed the kindest things : Her fond surrender he approved With smiles ; and thus enamour'd sings : " How sweet are lovers' vows by night, " Lapp'd in a honeysuckle grove, " When Venus sheds her gentle light, " And soothes the yielding soul to love ; " Soft as the silent-footed dews " That steal upon the star-light hours ; " Warm as a love-sick poet's muse, " And fragrant as the breath of flow'rs. l'LEASURBS OF LOVE. 149 " To hear our vows the moon grows pale, " And pant's End ymion's warmth to prove : " While emulous the nightingale " Thick-warbling trills her lay of love. " The silver-sounding shining spheres, " That animate the glowing skies, " Nor charm so much as thou my ears, " Nor bless so much as thou my eyes. " Thus let me clasp thee to my heart, " Thus sink in softness on thy breast ; " No cares shall haunt us, dangers part, " For ever loving, ever blest. " Censorious envy dares not blame " The passion which thy truth inspires : " Ye stars, bear witness that my flame " Is chaste as your eternal fires." Love saw them, hid among the boughs And heard him sing their mutual bliss ; ** Enjoy," cried he, " Ianthe's vows, " But oh ! — I envy thee her kiss." h 3 150 PLEASURES OF LOVE. TO LAURA. BY SHENSTONE. OURVF. y, my fair, that lucid stream Adown the smiling valley stray ; "Would art attempt, or fancy dream, To regulate its winding way ? So pleased I view thy shining hair In loose dishevell'd ringlets flow : Not all thy art, not all thy care, Can there one single grace bestow. Survey again that verdant hill, With native plants enamell'd o'er ; Say, can the painter's utmost skill Instruct one flower to please us more ? As vain it were, with artful dye, To change the bloom thy cheeks disclose ; And oh may Laura, ere she try, With fresh vermillion paint the rose. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 151 Hark, how the woodlark's tuneful throat Can every studied grace excel, Let art constrain the rambling note, And will she, Laura, please so well? Oh ever keep thy native ease, By no pedantic law confined ! For Laura's voice is form'd to please, So Laura's words be not unkind. THE FLOWER OF YARROW. BY HAMILTON. (jo Yarrow flower, thou shalt be blest, To lie on beauteous Mary's breast ; Go Yarrow flower so sweetly smelling, Is there on earth so soft a dwelling ?j Go, lovely flower, thou prettiest flower, That ever smiled in Yarrow bower ; l4 152 PLEASURES OF LOVR. Go, daughter of the dewy morning, With Alve's blush the fields adorning. Go, lovely rose, what dost thou here ? Lingering away thy short-lived year, Vainly shining, idly blooming, Thy unenjoyed sweets consuming. Vain is thy radiant Garlies hue, N® hand to pull, no eye to view ; What are thy charms no heart desiring? What profits beauty none admiring ? Go, Yarrow flower, to Yarrow maid, And on her panting bosom laid, There all thy native form confessing, The charm of beauty is possessing. Come, Yarrow maid, from Yarrow field, What pleasure can the desart yield? Come to my breast, O, all excelling, Is there on earth so kind a dwelling ? Come, my dear maid, thou prettiest maid, That ever smiled in Yarrow shade ; 1»LEASURES OF LOVE. 153 Come, sister of the dewy morning, With Alve' blush the dance adorning. Come, lovely maid, love calls thee here, Linger no more thy fleeting year, Vainly shining, idly blooming, Thy unenjoyed sweets consuming. Vain is thy radiant Garlies hue, No hand to press, no eye to view ; What are thy charms no heart desiring ? What profits beauty none admiring ? Come, Yarrow maid, with Yarrow rose, Thy maiden graces all disclose ; Come, blest by all, to all a blessing, The charm of beauty is possessing. CEPHJLUS AND PROCRIS. r ROM Cephalus unhappy story know What dire distress from jealousy may flow: Hear the forlorn distracted husband tell How by his hands bis much-loved Procris fell. 154 PLEASURES OF LOVE. " Happy awhile, thrice happy was my life, " Blest in a beautiful and virtuous wife. " Love join'd us first, and love made life so sweet, " We praised the gods, that 'twas our lot to meet. " Our breasts glow'd gently with a mutual flame, " The same were our desires, our fears the same. " Whate'er one did, the other would approve, " For one our liking was, as one our love. " Then happy days were crown'd with happier nights, " And some few months roll'd on in full delights. " Soon as the early sun began to rise, " To glad the enlighten'd earth and gild the skies, " I with his first appearance rise, and trace " The woods and hills, the bristled boar to chase. " Then spent with toil to cooler shades retreat, " And seek a refuge from the scorching heat, " Where pleasant vallies breathe a freer air, " There rest my wearied limbs ; and lying there, « Come, Air, I cry, joy of o'erlabor'd swains, ' Come and diffuse thyself through all my veins ; ' Breathe on my burning lips, and feverish breast, * And reign at large an ever-grateful guest. ' Glide to my soul, and every vital part, < Distil thyself upon my panting heart.' PLEASURES OF LOVE. 155 w By chance I other blandishments bestow, " Or destiny decreed it should be so. " As, ' O thou greatest pleasure of the plains, ' Thou who assuagest all my raging pains ; ' Thou, who dost Nature's richest sweets excite, * And mak'st me in these desart woods delight : ' Breathless and dead without thee should I be, ' For all the life I have, I diaw from thee.' " Whilethis I sung, some one who chane'd to hear,- " Thought her a nymph, to whom I made my pray'r, " And told my Procris of her rival, Air. " She, hapless fair, half-dying at the news, " Would now condemn me, now again excuse. " Resolv'd at last, to trust no busy tongue, " But be herself the witness of her wrong ; " When the next day with fatal haste came on, " And I was to my loved diversion gone, " She rose, and sought the solitary shade, " Where, after hunting, I was daily laid ; " Close in a thicket undiscern'd she stood, ** When I took shelter in the shady wood. " Then stretching on the grass my fainting weight, ' Come, much-lov'd Air, I cry, oh .' come, abate 4 With thy sweet breath this most immoderate heat.' 156 PLEASURES OF LOVE. " At this a sudden noise invades my ear, " And rustling boughs shew'd something living there. " I rashly thinking it some savage beast, " Through my unerring dart with heedless haste, " Which pierc'd, O gods ! my Procris through the breast. " She, at the wound, with fearful shrieking fell, " And, T, alas ! knew the dear voice too well. " Thither, distracted with my grief, I flew, " To give my dying love a sad adieu. " All bloody was her lately snowy breast, " Her soul was hastening to eternal rest : " When weakly raising up her dying head, " With a faint voice, these few sad words she said:" ' Draw nearer yet, dear author of my death, ' Hear my last sighs, and snatch my parting breath 1 But ere I die, by all that's sacred swear, ' That you will never let my rival, Air, ' Profane my bed, or find reception there. ' This I conjure you by your nuptial vow ; * The faith you gave me then, renew me now : * By all your love, if any love remain, ' And by that love which, dying, I retain, } PLEASURES OF LOVE. 157 e Assure me but of this before I go, ' And I shall bless thee for the fatal blow.' " To her sad speech abruptly I replied, " In haste to shew her error ere she died. " Quickly I ran the tragic story o'er, " Which made her pleased amidst the pangs she bore : " This done, she rolls in death her dizzy eyes, " And with a sigh, which I received, she dies." EPIGRAM. BY LORD DORSET. JJorinda's sparking wit and eyes, United, cast too fierce a light, Which blazes high, but quickly dies, Pains not the heart, but hurts the sight. Love is a calmer, gentler joy, Smooth are his looks, and soft his pace; Her Cupid is a blackguard boy, That runs his link full in your face. 158 PLEASURES Or LOVE. EPIGRAM. WRITTEN IN X LADY'S TABLETS. BY WALSH. With what strange raptures would my soul be blest, Were but her book an emblem of her breast! As I from that all former marks efface, And, uncontroll'd, put new one's in their place ; So might I chace all others from her heart, And my own image in their stead impart. But, ah ! how short the bliss would prove, if he Who seized it next, might do the same by me ! THE INCONSTANT. BY LORD ROCHESTER. My dear mistress has a heart Soft as those kind looks she gave me, When with love's resistless art And her eyes she did enslave me : PLEASURES OF LOVE. 159 But her constancy's so weak, She's so wild and apt to wander, That my jealous heart would break, Should we live one day asunder. Melting joys about her move, Killing pleasures, wounding blisses: She can dress her eyes in love, And her lips can warm with kisses : Angels listen while she speaks, She's my delight, all mankind's wonder; But my jealous heart would break, Should we live one day asunder. SCWG. BY SIR CHARLES SEDLEY. " Hears not my Phillis, how the bird* " Their feather'd mates salute ? " They tell their passion in their words; — " Must I alone be mute ?" Phillis without frown or smile Sat and knotted all the while. l6"0 PLEASURES Or LOVE. " The god of love in thy bright eyes " Does like a tyrant reign : " But in thy heart a child he lies, " Without his dart or flame." Phillis, without frown or smile, Sat and knotted all the while. " So many months in silence past, " And yet in raging love, '* Might well deserve one word at last " My passion should approve." Phillis without frown or smile, Sat and knotted all the while. " Must then your faithful swain expire, " And not one look obtain, " Which he, to sooth his fond desire " Might pleasingly explain ?" Phillis, without frown or smile, Sat and knotted all the while. PLEASURES OF LOVE. l6l SONG. BY THE SAME. Not, Celia, that I juster am Or better than the rest ; For I would change each hour, like them, Were not my heart oppress'd. But I am tied to very thee By every thought I have : Thy face I only care to see, Thy heart I only crave. All that in woman is ador'd, In thy dear self I find ; For the whole sex can but afford The handsome and the kind. Why then should I seek farther store, And still make love anew ? When change itself can give no more, Tis easy to be true. M 162 PLEASURES OF LOVE. SONG. BY THE SAME. (jet you gone — you will undo me — If you love me, don't pursue me ! Let that inclination perish, Which I dare no longer cherish ! With harmless thoughts I did begin, But in the crowd Love enter'd in ; I knew him not, he was so gay, So innocent, and full of play. At every hour, in every place, I either saw, or form'd your face : All that in plays was finely writ Fancy for you and me did fit. My dreams at night were all of you, Such as till then I never knew. I sported thus with young Desire, Never intending to go higher. But now his teeth and claws are grown, Let me the fatal lion shun ; You found me harmless — leave me so ! For, were I not, you'd leave me too. PLEASURES OF LOVE. l6*3 LAURA SLEEPING. BY CHARLES COTTON. W in ds, whisper gently whilst she sleeps, And fan her with your cooling wings, Whilst she her drops of beauty weeps From pure, and yet-unriva'.l'd springs! Glide over beauty's field, her face, To kiss her lip and cheek be bold, But with a calm and stealing pace, Neither too rude, nor yet too cold. Play in her beams, and crisp her hair, With such a gale as wings soft love ; And viith so sweet, so rich an air, As breathes from the Arabian grove. A breath as hush'd as lover's sigh, Or that unfolds the morning's door ; Sweet as the winds that gently fly To sweep the spring's enamell'd floor. — ■ i ■ ™ ; '~ M 2 l6i PLEASURES OP LOVE. SONG. BY THE SAME. XRfTHEE, why so angry, sweet? 'Tis in vain To dissemble a disdain : That frown i' th' infancy I'll meet, And kiss it to a smile again. When thy rosy cheek thus checks My offence, I could sin with a pretence ; Through that sweet chiding blush there breaks So fair, so bright an innocence. Thus your very frowns entrap My desire, And inflame me to admire That eyes dress'd in an angry shape Should kindle as with amorous fire. THE GIRDLE. 1 hat which her slender waste confin'd, Shall now my joyful temples bind ; No monarch but would give his crown, His arms might do what this has done ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. It was my heaven's extremest sphere, The pale which held that lovely deer! My joy, my grief, my hope, my love Did all within this circle move! A narrow Compass ! and yet there Dwelt all that's good, and all that's fair: Give me but what this ribband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round! 16 L SONG. BY APHRA BEHN. JLiOVE in fantastic triumph sat, While bleeding hearts around him flow'd, For whom fresh pains he did create, And strange tyrannic power he show'd : From thy bright eyes he took his fire, Which round about in sport he hurl'd; But 'twas from mine he took desire, Enough t' inflame the amorous world. From me he took his sighs and tears, From thee his pride and cruelty, From me his languishment and fears, And ev'ry killing dart from thee. M 3 166 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Thus thou and 1 the god have arm'd, And set him up a deity ; But my poor heart alone is harm'd, Whilst thine the victor is, and free. CUPID AND THE CLOWN. As Cupid took his bow and bolt, Some birding sport to find, He chanced on a country swain Which was some yeoman's hind. " Well met, fair boy ! what sport abroad ? " It is a goodly day ; " The birds will sit this frosty morn, " You cannot choose but slay. " Gadzooks ! your eyes are both put out ! " You will not bird, I trow ? " Alas, go home, or else I think " The birds will laugh at you." ' Why man, thou dost deceive thyself, ' Or else my mother lies, * Who said, although that I were blind, ' My arrows should have eyes.' PLEASURES OF LOVE. l6*7 " Why then thy mother is a fool, " And thou art but an elf, " To let thy arrows to have eyes " And go without, thyself." « Not so, sir swain, but hold your prate ; ' If I do take a shaft * I'll make thee ken what I can do " With that the ploughman laugh'd. Then angry Cupid drew his bow. " For God's sake slay me not !" ' I'll make thy lither liver ache.' " Nay ! I'll be loth of that !" The stinging arrow hit the mark, And pierc'd his silly soul : You might know by his hollow eyes Where Love had made a hole. And so the clown went bleeding home ; To stay it was no boot — And found, that he could see to hit, That could not see to shoot. 168 PLEASURES OF LOVE. INCONSTANCY REPROVED. 1 do confess thou'rt smooth and fair, And I might have gone near to love thee ; Had I not found the slightest prayer That lips could speak, had power to move thee; But I can let thee now alone As worthy to be loved by none. I do confess thou'rt sweet, yet find Thee such an unthrift of thy sweets, Thy favors are but like the wind That kisseth every thing it meets. And since thou canst love more than one, Thou'rt worthy to be loved by none. The morning rose, that untouch'd stands, Arm'd with her briars, how sweetly smells ! But pluck'd and strain'd through ruder hands, Her scent no longer with her dwells ; But scent and beauty both are gone, And leaves fall from her, one by one. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 169 Such fate, ere long, will thee betide, When thou hast handled been awhile ! Like sere flowers to be thrown aside, And I shall sigh, while some will smile, To see thy love to every one Hath brought thee to be loved by none ! TO THE MOON. BY MISS SCOTT. 1 hou silent Moon, that look'st so pale, So much exhausted, and so faint, Wandering over hill and dale, Watching oft the kneeling saint — Hearing his groans float on the gale — No wonder thou art tired and pale. Yet I have often seen thee bring Thy beams o'er yon bare mountain's steep; Then, with a smile, their lustre fling Full on the dark and roaring deep ; When the pilgrim's heart did fail, And when near lost the tossing sail. 170 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Sure, that passing blush deceives; For thou, fair nymph, art chaste and cold ! Love our bosoms seldom leaves ; But thou art of a different mould. Hail, chaste queen ! for ever hail ! And, prithee, look not quite so pale ! Yet stay— perhaps thou'st travell'd far, Exulting in thy conscious light ; Till, as I fear, some youthful Star Hath spread his charms before thy sight; And, when he found his arts prevail, He left thee, sickening, faint, and pale. BY R. B. SHERIDJN. Mark'd you her cheek of roseate hue? Mark'd you her eye of radiant blue ? — That eye in liquid circles moving ! That cheek, abash'd at man's approving ! The one Love's arrows darting round, The other blushing at the wound. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 1?1 BY THE SAME. 1 E swains whom radiant beauty moves, Or music's art with sounds divine, Think how the rapturous charm improves When two such gifts together join. Where Cupid's bow, and Phcebus' lyre, In the same powerful hand are found, Where lovely eyes inflame desire, And trembling notes are taught to wound. Enquire not out the matchless Fair Who can this double death bestow ; If her enchanting voice you hear, Or view her eyes, too soon you'll know ! BY THE SAME. Dried be that tear, my gentlest Love ! Be hush'd that struggling sigh, Not Season's day, nor Fate shall prove More fix'd, more true than I ! Hush'd be that sigh, be dry that tear ; Cease boding doubt, cease anxious fear. 172 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Dost ask how long my vows shall stay, When all that's new is past ? How long ? my Delia ! can I say How long my life will last? Dried be that tear, be hush'd that sigh, At least I'll love thee till I die. And does that thought affect thee too, The thought of Sylvio's death ; That he, who only breathes for you, Must yield that faithful breath ? Hush'd be that sigh, be dry that tear, Nor let us lose our heaven while here ! BY COWLEY. If mine eyes do e'er declare They've seen a second thing that's fair, Or ears, that they have music found Besides thy voice in any sound ; If my taste do ever meet After thy kiss with aught that's sweet : If my abused touch allow Aught to be smooth or soft but you ; PLEASURES OE LOVE. 173 If what seasonable springs, Or the eastern summer brings, Do my smell persuade at all Aught perfume but thy breath to call ; May I as worthless seem to thee, As all but thou appear to me. If I ever anger know, Till some wrong be done to you ; If ever I an hope admit, Without thy image stamp'd on it ; Or any fear till I begin To find that you're concern'd therein ; If a joy e'er come to me, That tastes of any thing but thee; If any sorrow touch my mind Whilst you are well and not unkind ; If I a minute's space debate, Whether I shall curse and hate The things beneath thy hatred fall, Though all the world, myself and all; If any passion of my heart, By any force or any art, Be brought to move one step from thee, May'st thou no passion have for me. 174 PLEASURES OF LOVE. THE INCONSTANT. BY THE SAME. I never yet could see that face Which had no dart for me ; From fifteen years to fifty's space They all victorious be. Colour or shape, good limbs, or face, Goodness, or wit, in all I find : In motion or in speech a grace ; If all fail, yet 'tis womankind. If tall, the name of proper slays ; If fair, she's pleasant as the light ; If low, her prettiness does please ; If black, what lover loves not night ? The fat like plenty fills my heart, The lean with love makes me too so ; If straight, her body's Cupid's dart To me ; if crooked, 'tis his bow. PLEASURES OP LOVE. 175 Thus with unwearied wings I flee Through all Love's gardens and his fields ; And, like the wise industrious bee, No weed but honey to me yields. ICE AND FIRE. BY SIR EDWARD SHERBURNE. Naked Love did to thine eye, Chloris, once, to warm him, fly : But its subtle flame and light Scorch'd his wings, and spoil'd his sight. Forc'd from thence, he went to rest In the soft couch of thy breast: But there met a frost so great As his torch extinguish'd straight. When poor Cupid thus (constraint His cold bed to leave) complain'd, " Alas ! what lodging's here for me, " If all ice and fire she be ?" 176 PLEASURES OF LOVE. SOXG. BY SIR JOHN SUCKLING. Why so pale and wan, fond lover? Prithee, why so pale? Will, when looking well can't move her, Looking ill prevail? Prithee, why so pale? Why so dull and mute, young sinner ? Prithee, why so mute ? Will, when speaking well can't win her, Saying nothing do't? Prithee, why so mute ? Quit, quit for shame ; this will not move, This cannot take her: If of herself she will not love, Nothing can make her. The devil take her ! BY THOMAS NABBES. What though with figures I should raise Above all height my mistress' praise; PLEASURES OF LOVE. 177 Calling her cheek a blushing rose, The fairest June did e'er disclose ; Her forehead, lilies ; and her eyes, The luminaries of the skies ; That on her lips ambrosia grows, And from her kisses nectar flows ? — Too great hyperboles ! unless She loves me, she is none of these. But, if her heart and her desires Do answer mine with equal fires, These attributes are then too poor, She is all these, and ten times more. SONG. BY WALLER. Go, lovely Rose ! Tell her that wastes her time and me, That now she knows, When I resemble her to thee, How sweet and fair she seems to be. N 178 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Tell her that's young And shuns to have her graces spied That, hadst thou sprung In desarts where no men abide, Thou must have uncommended died. Small is the worth Of Beauty from the light retired : Bid her come forth, Suffer herself to be desired, And not blush so to be admired. Then die! that she The common fate of all things rare May read in thee ; How small a part of time they share That are so wondrous sweet and fair ! TO CASTARA. BY HABINGTON. Give me a heart, where no impure Disorder'd passions rage, Which jealousy doth not obscure, Nor vanity t' expence engage ; PLEASURES OF LOVE. 179 Not wooed to madness by quaint oaths, Or the fine rhetoric of clothes ; Which not the softness of the age To vice or folly doth decline : Give me that heart, Castara ! — for 'tis thine. Take thou a heart, where no new look Provokes new appetite ; With no fresh charm of beauty took, Or wanton stratagem of wit ; Not idle wandering here and there, Led by an amorous eye or ear, Aiming each beauteous mark to hit: Which virtue doth to one confine: Take thou that heart, Castara ! — for 'tis mine. THE BAG OF THE BEE. BY HERRICK. About the sweet-bag of a bee Two Cupids fell at odds ; And whose the pretty prize should be, They vow'd to ask the gods. K 2 180 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Which Venus hearing, thither came, And for their boldness stript them, And, taking from them each his flame, With rods of myrtle whipt them. Which done, to still their wanton cries, When quiet grown she'd seen them, She kiss'd and wiped their dove-like eyes, And gave the bag between them. THE MAD MAID'S SONG. BV THE SAME. (jrooD-morrow to the day so fair ! Good-morning, sir, to you ! Good-morrow to mine own torn hair, Bedabbled with the dew ! Good-morning to this primrose too ! Good-morrow to each maid, That will with flowers the tomb bestrew Wherein my love is laid ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 181 I'll seek him there ! I know, ere this, The cold, cold earth doth shake him ; But I will go, or send a kiss By you, sir, to awake him. Pray, hurt him not ! though he be dead He knows well who do love him ; And who with green-turfs rears his head, And who do rudely move him. He's soft and tender— pray, take heed !— With bands of cowslips bind him ; And bring him home — but 'tis decreed That I shall never find him ! THE VOYAGE. BY BROWNE. Swell, but gently swell, ye floods, As proud of what ye bear, And nymphs, that in low coral woods String pearls upon your hair, Ascend, and tell if ere this day A fairer prize was seen at sea. N 3 182 PLEASURES OV LOVE. Blow, but gently blow, fair wind, From the forsaken shore, And be as to the halcyon kind, Till we have ferry'd o'er; So may'st thou still have leave to blow And fan the way where she shall go. THE SYREN'S SONG. BY THE SAME. OTEER, hither steer your winged pines, All beaten mariners ! Here lie Love's undiscover'd mines, A prey to passengers : Perfumes far sweeter than the best Which make the Phoenix' urn and nest. Fear not your ships, Nor any to oppose you, save our lips ; But come on shore, Where no joy dies till Love hath gotten more. For swelling waves, our panting breasts, Where never storms arise, Exchange, and be awhile our guests ; For stars, gaze on our eyes ; PLEASURES OF LOVE. 183 The compass Love shall hourly sing, And, as he goes about the ring, We will not miss To tell each point he nameth with a kiss. Then come on shore, Where no joy dies 'till Love hath gotten more. THE PRIMROSE. BY CAREW. Ask me why I send you here This firstling of the infant year; Ask me why I send to you This primrose, all bepearl'd with dew ; I straight will whisper in your ears, The sweets of love are wash'd with tears. Ask me why this flower doth shew So yellow, green, and sickly too ; Ask me why the stalk is weak, And bending, yet it doth not break; — I must tell you, these discover What doubts and fears are in a lover. N 4 184 PLEASURES OF LOVE. SONNET. BY DRUMMOND. 1 rust not, sweet soul, those curled waves of gold With gentle tides that on your temples flow, Nor temples spread with flakes of virgin-snow, Nor snow of cheeks with Tyrian grain enroll'd : — Trust not those shining lights which wrought my woe, When first I did their azure rays behold, Nor voice, whose sounds more strange effects do shew Than of the Thracian harper have been told : — Look to this dying lily, fading rose, Dark hyacinth, of late whose blushing beams Made all the neighbouring herbs and grass rejoice, And think how little is 'twixt life's extremes ; — The cruel tyrant, that did kill those flow'rs, Shall once, ah me ! not spare that spring of yours .' PLEASURES OF LOVE. 1S5 SONNET. BY P. FLETCHER. Look as it is with some true April day, Whose various weather stores the world with flow'rs, The sun his glorious beams doth fair display, Then rains, and shines again, and strait it low'rs, And twenty changes in one hour does prove ; So, and more changing is a woman's love. Or as the hairs which deck their wanton heads, Which loosely fly and play with every wind, And with each blast turn round their golden threads, Such as their hair, such is their looser mind. False is their flatt'ring colour, false and fading ; False is their flatt'ring tongue, false ev'ry part; Their hair is forged, their silver foreheads shading ; False are their eyes, but falsest is their heart. 186 PLEASURES OF LOVE. SONNET. BY DANIEL. IF this be love, to draw a weary breath, To loathe all pleasure and to feed on care, With downward looks, still reading on the earth The sad memorials of my love's despair ; If this be love, to war against my soul, Lie down to wail, rise up to sigh and grieve, The never-resting stone of care to roll, Still to complain my griefs, whilst none relieve ; If this be love, to clothe me with dark thoughts, Haunting untrodden paths to wail apart ; My pleasures, horror — music, tragic notes, — Tears in mine eyes, and sorrow at my heart ; If this be love, to live a living death ; Then do I love, and draw this weary breath. SONNET. BY DRAYTON. oince there's no help, come let us kiss and part: Nay, I have done : you get no more of me : And I am glad, yea, glad with all my heart, That thus so cleanly I myself can free ; PLEASURES OF LOVE. 1 S7 Shake hands for ever, cancel all our vows, And when we meet at any time again, Be it not seen in either of our brows That we one jot of former love retain. Now at the last gasp of Love's latest breath, When, his pulse failing, Passion speechless lies, When Faith is kneeling by his bed of death, And Innocence is closing up his eyes, Now if thou would'st, when all have given him over. From death to life thou might'st him yet recover. BY THOMAS MOORE. Sweet Lady ! look not thus again, Those little pouting smiles recal ; A maid remember'd now with pain, Who was my love, my life, my all ! Oh ! while this heart delirious took Sweet poison from her thrilling eye, Thus would she pout, and lisp, and look, And I would hear, and gaze, and sigh ! 188 PLEASURES OE LOVE. Yes, I did love her — madly love — She was the sweetest best deceiver ! And oft she swore she'd never rove ; And I was destin'd to believe her ! Then, Lady, do not wear the smile Of her whose smile could thus betray : Alas ! I think the lovely wile Again might steal my heart away. And when the spell, that stole my mind, On lips so pure as thine I see, I fear the heart which she resign'd Will err again, and fly to thee ! BY THE SAME. Sweet Seducer ! blandly smiling, Charming still, and still beguiling ' Oft I swore to love thee never, Yet I love thee more than ever ! PLEASURES OF LOVE. 189 Why that little wanton blushing, Glancing eye, and bosom flushing? Flushing warm, and wily glancing, All is lovely, all entrancing! Turn away those lips of blisses — I am poison'd by thy kisses ! Yet again, ah ! turn them to me : Ruin's sweet, when they undo me ! Oh ! be less, be less enchanting, Let some little grace be wanting ; Let my eyes, when I'm expiring, Gaze awhile, without admiring ! THE SHRINE. BY THE SAME. ]V[y fates had destin'd me to rove A long, long pilgrimage of Love, And many an altar on my way Has lur'd my pious steps to stay 190 PLEASURES OF LOVE. For if the saint was young and fair, I turn'd and sung my vespers there. This, from a youthful pilgrim's fire, Is what your pretty saints require ; To pass, nor tell a single bead, With them would be profane indeed! But trust me, all this young devotion Was but to keep thy zeal in motion, And, every humbler altar past, I now have reach'd the shrine at last ! B\ C. J. FOX. Vvhere the loveliest expression to features is join'd, By Nature's most delicate pencil design'd ; Where blushes unbidden, and smiles without art, Speak the softness and feeling that dwell in the heart ; Where in manners, enchanting, no blemish we trace, But the soul keeps the promise we had from the face; PLEASURES OF LOVE. 191 Sure philosophy, reason, and coldness must prove Defences unequal to shield us from love : Then tell me, mysterious Enchanter, oh, tell ! By what wonderful art, by what magical spell, My heart is so fenc'd that for once I am wise, And gaze without rapture on Amoret's eyes ; That my wishes, which never were bounded before, Are here bounded by friendship, and ask for no more ? Is it reason ? — No ; that my whole life will belie, For who so at variance as reason and I ? Ambition, that fdls up each chink of my heart, Nor allows any softer sensation a part ? O, no ! for in this all the world must agree, One folly was never sufficient for me. Is my mind on distress too intensely employ'd, Or by pleasure relax'd, by variety cloy'd ? For alike in this only, enjoyment and pain Both slacken the springs of those nerves which they strain. That I've felt each reverse that from fortune can flow, That I've tasted each bliss that the happiest know, Has still been the whimsical fate of my life, Where anguish and joy have been ever at strife: 192 PLEASURES OF HOVE, But, though vers'd in extremes both of pleasure and pain, I am still but too ready to feel them again. If, then, for this once in my life, I am free, And escape from a snare might catch wiser than me; 'Tis that beauty alone but imperfectly charms; For though brightness may dazzle, 'tis kindness that •warms ; As on suns in the winter with pleasure we gaze, But feel not their warmth, though their splendor we praise, So beauty our just admiration may claim, But love, and love only, the heart can enflame! BY ROBERT HERRICK. As Julia once a slumbering lay, It chanc'd a Bee did fly that way, After a dew, or dew-like shower, To tipple freely in a flower. For some rich flower, he took the lip Of Julia, and began to sip ; But when he felt he suck'd from thence Honey, and in the quintessence, PLEASURES OF LOVE. 193 He drank so much he scarce could stir, So Julia took the Pilferer. And thus surpris'd, as filchers use, He thus began himself to excuse : Sweet Lady-Flower, I never brought Hither the least one thieving thought ; But taking those rare lips of yours For some fresh, fragrant, luscious flowers, I thought I might there take a taste, Where so much syrup ran at waste. Besides, know this, I never sting The flower that gives me nourishing ; But with a kiss, or thanks, do pay For honey that I bear away. This said, he laid his little scrip Of honey 'fore her Ladyship : And told her, as some tears did fall, That that he took, and that was all. At which she smil'd and bade him go And take his bag ; but thus much know, When next he came a pilfering so, He should from her full lips derive, Honey enough to fill his hive. 1 191 PLEASURES OF LOVE. BY P. L. COURTIER. When languid on my breast she lies, \nd scarcely breathes reluctant sighs, While o'er her cheeks electric spread The faintful pale, or deepening red, And, half unclos'd, her fond eyes seem Dim with some dear delicious dream ; Then, when her murmur'd tones declare, « I yield, — yet, oh ! in pity spare !' Then, what the power whose sacred chain Passion shall strive to burst in vain ? Then, what exalts the soul above Each selfish sordid wish ? — 'tis Love ! HYMN TO VENUS. BY THE SAME. Goddess ! I do love a Girl Rubv-lipt, and tooth'd with pearl ! ' If so be I may but prove Lucky in this Maid I love ; I will promise there shall be Myrtles offered up to Thee. PLEASURES OF LOVE. 1.95 A KISS. BY BEN JONSON. For love's sake kiss me once again, I long, and should not beg in vain — Here's none to spy or see ; Why do you doubt or stay? I'll taste as lightly as the bee, That doth but touch his flower, and flies away. THE HEART FLED AG AW False, foolish heart! didst thou not say That thou would'st never leave me more ? Behold again 'tis fled away, Fled as far from me as before : I strove to bring it back again, I cried and hollow'd after it in vain. 1^6 PLEASURES OF LOVE. Ev'n so, the gentle Tynan dame, When neither grief nor love prevail, Saw the dear object of her flame, Th' ingrateful Trojan, hoist his sail : Aloud she call'd to him to stay ; The wind bore him and her lost words away ! UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. n> . fvECu.1 w »£aj „ *•«» 1 7 1986 A ^'Ku. utPT. URl MRt mSCDlD-Olffi JUI 25 »» - •4UN i o mi N0Vt)5l9W UH *H988 3 NOV 06 1981 WE'D LD-URl MARO Mg9f SHL.ms« 3 1158 00967 7294 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACII A A 000 173 221 3 K