University of Virginia Library


89

Song. The Rose.

1

Ffrom Eliza's Breast
(That sweet Nest
Where my heart and Cupid rest)
I took a Rose-bud, which flew thither
For shelter from the droughty weather.

2

Whilst a Place it held
In that field
Of Lillies with Violet Mazes rill'd,
It gathered all its sweetnesse there,
And smells not of it selfe, but Her.

3

I thought to kisse the
Stalk, but see
It (angry) raiz'd it's fangs at me,
And prickt my lips in poor revenge
For making it its sweet bed change.

90

4

Whilst it therein laid
In its shade
Thousand Cupids frisk'd and plai'd
With Fairy Graces thither come
To prove her Breast Elizium.

5

Whence had it this die?
Did the skie
Lend it her Ruby Livery?
No, No, it only blusht to see
Her cheeks excell its gallantry.

6

See! so to be sham'd
And be tane
From her bosom, the poor man
Languishing floure its leaves hath spred
For Griefe, and lies (griefes Martyr) dead.

7

In it yet doth lie
Fragrancy;
Thus must choycest Beauties die,
But as this after death shall be
Still od'rous in their memory.