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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Beauty and Frailty. |
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 | The Grecian Story |  |
Beauty and Frailty.
I
How Beauty shines to Youthful Sight!Prime Face and Body's choice, compound!
Amazement caus'd, with Love, delight,
Both Map may seem of Heav'n renown'd,
And th' Earthly Globe's with all, such Wonders found;
Th' whole World's Contraction:
Though this transcends for Excellence,
Life sparkling thence,
All heightned (last) through Words, Smiles, graceful Action.
II
What Sun-like Beams adorn the Eye!Soul's radiant Orb! bright Masquers there;
Beauties with Virtues joyn'd on high,
Do glistring move: Spring-beds appear
In gallant Cheeks, or each presents, as 'twere,
White, crimson Bower:
Choice, daintiest Fruits (Pearl, Ruby's gem)
Lips boast in them:
The Front Love's silver Throne, or Regal Tower.
III
Alas! that Nature's prime should beLike meaner Works destroy'd, so frail!
How beautiful's the Rose to see,
Perfum'd like Garden's Queen! though pale,
Carcass e're long (Scent lost) we may bewail:
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The Tulip too, blown Gillislow'r,
Fine-cheek'd this hour;
Fruits lovely thought, tho soon appear shrunk, starved.
IV
All Creatures change, prove faded here,Bodies with Minds, that sinking Fate;
Like Seasons Daughters of the year;
Those Beauties gon, transform'd that late
Could Hearts command, in their triumphant State,
Now pity'd, scorned:
Bright Virtue, Wisdom though may lend
Glory to th' end;
Each Brow by these like Wreath of Stars adorned.
| The Grecian Story | |