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Poems

By the most deservedly Admired Mrs Katherine Philips: The matchless Orinda. To which is added Monsieur Corneille's Pompey & Horace Tragedies. With several other Translations out of French

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To Mrs. Mary Carne, when Philaster courted her.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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30

To Mrs. Mary Carne, when Philaster courted her.

As some great Conqueror who knows no bounds,
But hunting Honour in a thousand wounds,
Pursues his rage, and thinks that Triumph cheap
That's but attended with the common heap,
Till his more happy fortune doth afford
Some Royal Captive that deserv'd his sword,
And only now is of his Laurel proud,
Thinking his dang'rous valour well bestow'd;
But then retreats, and spending hate no more,
Thinks Mercy now what Courage was before:
As Cowardise in fight, so equally
He doth abhor a bloudy Victory:
So, Madam, though your Beauty were allow'd
To be severe unto the yielding Croud,
That were subdu'd e're you an Object knew
Worthy your Conquest and your Mercy too;
Yet now 'tis gain'd, your Victory's compleat.
Only your Clemency should be as great.
None will dispute the power of your Eyes,
That understands Philaster is their prize.
Hope not your Glory can have new access,
For all your future Trophees will grow less:
And with that Homage be you satisfi'd
From him that conquers all the World beside.
Nor let your Rigour now the Triumph blot,
And lose the honour which your Beauty got.
Be just and kind unto your Peace and Fame,
In being so to him, for they're the same:
And live and die at once, if you would be
Nobly transmitted to Posterity.
Take heed lest in the story they peruse
A murther which no language can excuse:
But wisely spare the trouble of one frown;
Give him his happiness, and know your own.

31

Thus shall you be as Honour's self esteem'd,
Who have one Sex oblig'd, your own redeem'd.
Thus the Religion due unto your Shrine
Shall be as Universal, as Divine:
And that Devotion shall this blessing gain,
Which Law and Reason do attempt in vain.
The World shall join, maintaining but one strife,
Who shall most thank you for Philasters life.