 | The poems of John Wilmot: Earl of Rochester |  |
The Fall.
How blest was the Created State
Of Man and Woman, e're they fell,
Compar'd to our unhappy ffate!
We need not fear another Hell:
Of Man and Woman, e're they fell,
Compar'd to our unhappy ffate!
We need not fear another Hell:
Naked beneath cool Shades they lay,
Enjoyment waited on desire;
Each member did their wills obey:
Nor could a wish set pleasure higher.
Enjoyment waited on desire;
Each member did their wills obey:
Nor could a wish set pleasure higher.
But we, poor Slaves to hope and fear,
Are never of our Joys secure:
They lessen still, as they draw near;
And none but dull delights endure.
Are never of our Joys secure:
They lessen still, as they draw near;
And none but dull delights endure.
Then, Cloris, while I duty pay,
The nobler Tribute of a heart;
Be not you so severe, to say
You Love me for a frailer part.
The nobler Tribute of a heart;
Be not you so severe, to say
You Love me for a frailer part.
| The poems of John Wilmot: Earl of Rochester | |