The works of Sr William Davenant ... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies |
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The Mistress.
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 | The works of Sr William Davenant |  |
The Mistress.
1
When Nature heard Men thought her old,Her Skill in beauteous forms decay'd,
Her Eies grown dimme, and Fingers cold,
Then to her Poet thus she said?
2
Catch as it falls the Scythian SnowBring blushing Roses steep'd in Milk;
From early Medows Sent and Show,
And from the Persian Worm her Silk.
3
Fetch from the East the Mornings breath;And from the Phœnix Gummes and Spice,
Such as she calls when at her Death,
The World does smell her sacrifice.
4
Nature of these a Mistress made;But would have form'd a Lover too;
And such as might this Nimph perswade,
To all that Love for Love should do.
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This second work she well began,With leisure, and by slow degrees;
But found it hard to make a Man,
That could so choice a Beauty please.
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She wrought, and wrought, and then gave o're;Then did another Model try;
But less contented then before,
She layd the work for ever by.
7
I askt the cause, and strait she sayd;'Tis very possible I find,
To match the Body which I made,
But I can never fit her Mind.
8
For that still various seems and strange;And since all Lovers various be,
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I cannot make my work agree.
9
Now Sexes meet not by designWhen they the Worlds chief work advance;
But in the dark they sometimes joyn,
As wand'ring Attoms meet by chance.
10
Goddess, I cry'd, pray pardon me!You little know our Lovers Hearts.
The Devil take 'em! they agree!
And, Nature failing, want no Arts.
| The works of Sr William Davenant | |