The Poetry of George Wither Volume 2

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ...folly you pursue; And are unblessed, Since every beast In pleasure equals you. You never took so rich content, In all your wanton play, As this to me hath pleasure lent, That chaste she went away. For as some sins which we committed have, Sharp stings behind them leave, 2660 Whereby we vexed are, So ill suppressed Begetteth rest And peace without compare. But lest this conquest slight you make, Which on myself I won, Twelve labours I will undertake With Jove's victorious son, Ere I will such another brunt endure. For, had Diana pure 2670 Thus tempted been to sin, That queen of night, With her chaste light, Had scarce a maiden bin. Oh! how honoured are my songs, Graced by your melodious tongues! And how pleasing do they seem, Now your voices carol them! Were not yet that task to do, Which my word enjoins me to, 2680 I should beg of you to hear What your own inventions were. But before I ought will crave, What I promised you shall have. And as I on mortal creatures Call'd, to view her body's features, Showing how to make the senses Apprehend her excellences, Now I speak of no worse subject Than a soul's and reason's object: 2690 And relate a beauty's glories, Fitting heavenly auditories. Therefore, whilst I sit and sing, Hem me, angels, in a ring; Come, ye spirits, which have eyes That can gaze on deities, And unclogg'd with brutish senses, Comprehend such excellences. Or, if any mortal ear Would be granted leave to hear, 2700 And find profit with delight In what now I shall indite, Let him first be sure to season A prepared heart with reason: And with judgment drawing nigh, Lay all fond affections by. So, through all her veilings, he Shall the soul of beauty see. But avoid, you earth-bred wights, Cloy'd with sensual appetites: 2710 On base...