University of Virginia Library


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To his Rivall.

Seek not to know my Love

Seek not to know my Love, for she hath vow'd her Constant faith to me: her milde Aspects are mine, and thou shalt onely find a Stormy brow; for if her Beauty stir desire in mee, her Kisses quench the fire: Or I can to Loves Fountain goe, or dwell upon her Hills of Snow; But when thou burn'st, shee shall not spare one gentle Breath to cool the Air; thou shalt not climbe those Alps, nor spie where the sweet Springs of Venus lie: Search hidden Nature, and there find a treasure to enrich thy mind: Discover Arts not yet reveal'd,


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But let my Mistress live conceal'd. Though men by knowledge wiser grow, yet here 'tis wisdome not to know.