Poems By the most deservedly Admired Mrs Katherine Philips: The matchless Orinda. To which is added Monsieur Corneille's Pompey & Horace Tragedies. With several other Translations out of French |
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158
To Mr. Sam. Cooper, having taken Lucasia's Picture given December 14. 1660.
1
If noble things can noble thoughts infuse,Your Art might even in me create a Muse,
And what you did inspire, you would Excuse.
2
But if it such a Miracle could do,That Muse would not return you half your due,
Since 'twould my thanks, but not the praise pursue.
3
To praise your Art is then it self more hard,Nor would it the Endeavour much regard,
Since it and Vertue, are their own reward.
4
A Pencil from an Angel newly caught,And Colours in the Morning's bosom sought,
Would make no Picture, if by you not wrought.
5
But done by you it does no more admitOf an Encomium from the highest Wit,
Then that another hand should equal it.
159
6
Yet whilst you with creating power vye,Command the very spirit of the Eye,
And then reward it with Eternity.
7
Whilst your each touch does Life and Air convey,Fetch the Soul out, like overcoming Day,
And I my friend repeated here Survey.
8
I by a Passive way may do you right,Wearing in that what none could ere endite,
Your Panegyrick, and my own delight.
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