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Poems on Several Occasions

Written by Charles Cotton

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449

ODE.

I

Fair Isabel, if ought but thee
I could, or would, or like, or love;
If other Beauties but approve
To sweeten my Captivity:
I might those Passions be above,
Those Pow'rful Passions that combine
To make, and keep me only thine.

II

Or, if for tempting treasure I
Of, the World's God, prevailing Gold,
Could see thy Love, and my Truth sold,
A greater, nobler Treasury;
My flame to thee might then grow cold,
And I like one whose love is sense,
Exchange thee for convenience.

450

III

But when I vow to thee, I do
Love thee above or Health or Peace,
Gold, Joy, and all such toys as these,
Bove Happiness and Honour too:
Thou then must know, this love can cease
Nor change for all the glorious show
Wealth and Discretion bribes us to.

IV

What such a love deserves, thou, Sweet,
As knowing best, may'st best reward;
I, for thy bounty well prepar'd,
With open arms my Blessing meet.
Then do not, Dear, our joys detard;
But unto him propitious be,
That knows no love, nor life, but thee