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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Song to Ceres. In the Wavering Nymph, or Mad Amyntas.

I

Ceres , Great Goddess of the bounteous Year,
Who load'st the Teeming Earth with Gold and Grain,
Blessing the Labours of th'Industrious Swain,
And to their Plaints inclin'st thy gracious Ear:
Behold two fair Cicilian Lovers lie
Prostrate before thy Deity;
Imploring thou wilt grant the Just Desires
Of two Chaste Hearts that burn with equal Fires.

II

Amyntas he, brave, generous and young;
Whom yet no Vice his Youth has e'er betray'd:
And Chaste Urania is the Lovely Maid;
His Daughter who has serv'd thy Altars long,
As thy High Priest: A Dowry he demands
At the young Amorous Shepherds hands:

Say, gentle Goddess, what the Youth must give
E'er the Bright Maid he can from thee receive.