 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
The Visit.
I
Dark was the silent shade, that hidThe fair Castanna from my sight:
The Night was black (as it had need,)
That could obscure so great a light.
Under the concave of each Lid
A flaming ball of beauty bright,
Wrapt in a charming slumber lay,
That else would captivate the Day.
II
(Led by a passionate desire,)I boldly did attempt the way;
And though my dull Eyes wanted fire,
396
Thus, whilst I blindly did aspire,
Fear to displease her made me stay,
A doubt too weak for mine intent,
I knew she would forgive, and went.
III
Near to her Maiden-Bed I drew,Blest in so rare a chance as this;
When by her odorous Breath I knew
I did approach my Love, my Bliss:
Then did I eagerly pursue
My hopes, and found, and stole a kiss:
Such as perhaps Pygmalion took,
When cold his Ivory Love forsook.
IV
Soft was the sleep sate on her Eyes,As softest down, or whitest Snow;
So gentle rest upon them lies,
Happy to charm those Beauties so;
397
Or living, live in restless Woe;
For all that see her killing Eye,
With Love, or Admiration dye.
V
Chast were the Thoughts that had the powerTo make me hazard this Offence;
I mark'd the sleeps of this fair Flower,
And found them full of Innocence;
Wond'ring that hers, who slew each hour,
Should have so undisturb'd a Sence;
But, ah! these Murders of Mankind
Fly from her Beauty, not her Mind.
VI
Thus, while she sweetly slept, sate IContemplating the lovely Maid,
Of every Tear, and every Sigh
That sallied from my Breast, afraid.
And now the Morning-star drew nigh,
When, fearing thus to be betray'd,
I softly from my Nymph did move
Wounded with everlasting Love.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |