University of Virginia Library

THE RING.

A Present to His Mistress.

Go little Ring, and may'st Thou Welcome prove,
Not for Thy Value, but the Donor's Love.
Go little Ring, and while the wanton Maid
Well-pleas'd surveys Thee on Her Joint display'd,
Tell Her, Thy Circle was contriv'd with Art,
The Type of One That fits a Better Part.
Happy who now Her Lilly Hand shalt Grace!
O how I wish my — Person in Thy Place!
Then I should oft Her pretty Bubbies feel;
And sometimes too, perhaps, might lower steal,
Slide off her Finger down her glowing Breast,
An Unsuspected, but a Busie Guest.
Or when She seal'd some tender Billet-doux,
And wet the Gem to make th' Impression true,
Admitted to those Charming Lips of Bliss
In rosie Dew I'd snatch a Luscious Kiss.
A Part in any Office let me share:
But to be laid aside — I could not bear:
My Orb contracted to a narrow'r Space
Would closer Cling, nor quit its strict Embrace.
You need, Dear Life, no Scruples entertain:
My Figure's no Disgrace, my Weight no Pain.
Drest, or Undrest, You still may keep Me on;
And ev'n in Bed, or Bathing wear This Stone.
But yet, methinks, if Naked You appear'd,
The Ring wou'd soon into a Man be rear'd;
Stretch'd in full Vigour ev'ry Member rise,
And the Bold Lover act without Disguise.
Come, This is Trifling — Little Gift Depart,
And tell Her that Thou bear'st with Thee My Heart.