The Grecian Story Being an Historical Poem, in Five Books. To which is Annex'd The Grove: Consisting of Divers Shorter Poems upon several Subjects. By J. H. [i.e. John Harington] |
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 | The Grecian Story |  |
The King with both well pleased seem'd; for he
Lov'd Maids since fresh, ungathered. Flowers they be;
Most Long'd withal for Joys unknown of Love:
Next, fanci'd Wives, since more restrain'd did prove;
Unlawfuller: Good Choice (conjoyn'd) if Old
Their Husbands last, bred strong Desires, more bold:
Yet Fancy's vote the Maid preferr'd; by name
Mardiva call'd; first place that Virgin-flame,
Thus, Dardigues should Tempt that Neighbour-friend
By golden Bait to serve their wanton end:
That to her House, or his Own drawn (where-ere)
The King might speak, and closely enjoy her there,
For 'twas his Humor, choice sometimes to Woo
By his own Person, Parts; o'recome them so:
High Self-conceit had prov'd Victorious
(Conjoyn'd Reward) more proud o'th' Conquest thus.
Lov'd Maids since fresh, ungathered. Flowers they be;
Most Long'd withal for Joys unknown of Love:
Next, fanci'd Wives, since more restrain'd did prove;
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Their Husbands last, bred strong Desires, more bold:
Yet Fancy's vote the Maid preferr'd; by name
Mardiva call'd; first place that Virgin-flame,
Thus, Dardigues should Tempt that Neighbour-friend
By golden Bait to serve their wanton end:
That to her House, or his Own drawn (where-ere)
The King might speak, and closely enjoy her there,
For 'twas his Humor, choice sometimes to Woo
By his own Person, Parts; o'recome them so:
High Self-conceit had prov'd Victorious
(Conjoyn'd Reward) more proud o'th' Conquest thus.
| The Grecian Story | |