Poems upon several occasions :: :: University of Virginia Library

Poems upon several occasions

with a voyage to the Island of Love. By Mrs A. Behn

Behn, Aphra (1640-1689)

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The Sence of a Letter sent me, made into Verse; To a New Tune.

I

In vain I have labour'd the Victor to prove
Of a Heart that can ne'er give Admittance to Love:
So hard to be won,
That nothing so young,
Could e'er have resisted a Passion so long.

II

But nothing I left unattempted or said,
To soften the Heart of the Pityless Maid;
Yet still she was shy,
And would blushing deny,
Whilst her willinger Eyes gave her Language the Lye.

III

When before the Impregnable Fort I lay down,
I resolv'd or to die, or to Purchase Renown,

But how vain was the Boast!
All the Glory I lost,
And now vanquish'd and sham'd I've quitted my Post.