The Grecian Story Being an Historical Poem, in Five Books. To which is Annex'd The Grove: Consisting of Divers Shorter Poems upon several Subjects. By J. H. [i.e. John Harington] |
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Ornande's Evening Walk, and Voice
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 | The Grecian Story |  |
Ornande's Evening Walk, and Voice
Ornande and I (which here by me'Mongst joyful Hours recorded be)
Ornande and I, this Evening fair,
Walk'd forth to breath large Garden air;
That mild Decrease of gaudy Day,
When th' Sun bestow'd well temper'd Ray,
Nor faintness bred while Parts Good-night
From western Orb, with drowsie Light:
Such, gentle Morn, for both inclin'd
Nice, daintier Sex of Woman kind.
Those harmless Gales were only straying,
Which dance the Leaves with wanton playing
Soft Murmur's noise, conjoyn'd to this.
May's flower'd Breed like Strangers kiss
Dandled Ornande's Han, as taught
Love's fonder Arts, withal (methought)
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One Curl disturbed prov'd that time:
Becalmed th' Air to gentle Rest,
Like her more cheerful Virgin-Breast.
Who having pleas'd her wandring Eye,
Spring's gallant Scene beheld, clear Sky,
Conjoyned Grove for change allow'd,
Fine Lovers Maze, where under Cloud
Prime Beauty appear'd: heard choicest Note
From Nightingales's small-formed Throat,
Strong tun'd withall, Bird, prais'd to be
That Time's best Chanter, Harmony:
Wing'd Consort sound: who strait begun,
As would to th' low-declined Sun
Chirp forth their frank Farewel, till Night
Clad Songs maintain whilst he gave Light.
Which pastime heard, contentful Noise,
Ornande (at my Request) her Voice
Joyn'd also there to th' mirthful Quite,
Bright Goddess seem'd did late inspire
Those plumed Creatures with their Skill,
As chanted forth her Praises still,
That ruder Grove, through Fancy's power,
Transformed seem'd to heavenly Bower,
So well that Face and warbling Tongue
Might to sweet Cherubims belong.
'Twas prime Delight to th' closing end,
Best Joys that th' Ear could apprehend;
Unless those Sounds advanc'd above,
Sweet breath'd, returned Vows of Love
Reason o'resway'd, else I had nigh
Prov'd guilty of Voyce-Idolatry.
| The Grecian Story | |