Poems on Several Occasions Written by Charles Cotton |
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Song of the inconstant Hylas.
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 | Poems on Several Occasions |  |
586
Song of the inconstant Hylas.
Out of Astrea.
I
If one disdain me, then I flyHer Cruelty, and her Disdain;
And e're the Morning guild the Sky,
Another Mistriss do obtain.
They err who hope by force to move
A Womans Heart to like; or love.
587
II
It oft falls out that they, who inDiscretion seem us to despise,
Nourish a greater Fire within,
Although perhaps conceal'd it lies.
Which we, when once we quit our rooms,
Do kindle for the next that comes.
III
The faithful Fool that obstinatePursues a cruel Beauty's Love,
To him, and to his Truth ingrate
Idolater does he not prove?
That from his pow'rless, Idol, never
Receives a Med'cine for his Fever.
588
IV
They say the unweary'd Lovers painsBy instance meet with good success;
For he by force his end obtains:
'Tis an odd method of Address,
To what Design so e're't relate,
Still, still to be importunate.
V
Do but observe the hourly FearsOf your pretended faithful Lover,
Nothing but Sorrow, Sighs, and Tears,
You in his chearfull'st Looks discover;
As though the Lovers Sophistry
Were nothing but to whine, and cry.
589
VI
Ought he by a Man's Name be styl'd,That (losing th' Honor of a Man)
Whines for his Pepin, like a Child
Whipt and sent back to School again,
Or rather Fool that thinks amiss,
He loves, but knows not what Love is?
VII
For my part, I'll decline this Folly,By others harms (thank Fate) grown wise,
Such Dotage begets Melancholly,
I must profess Loves Liberties;
And never angry am at all
At them who me inconstamt call.
| Poems on Several Occasions | |