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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 | The Grecian Story |  |
23
The modest doubtful Lover.
Los oios no peccaron en mirar os.
Mine
Eyes (fair Maid) not sin, whilst but behold;
When th' onely aim to view and to admire you:
Should my Heart merit plead, though too over-bold,
Wish me no worse than still to want, desire you.
Ne're speak my Tongue, be't rather charm'd and dumb
Than smallest Word to Gain, enjoy should mention.
If Tears design to soften and o'recome,
You punish may by marbled Heart's Prevention.
But don't withdraw from me your sweetest Sight;
For though that Grant produce my secret Anguish,
Sad Days I'll spend beholding you, Earth's Light;
Since no Life else partake, my Soul must languish.
Your View debarr'd, I am but dead, or dying.
Hopes of my Torment there best Ease supplying.
When th' onely aim to view and to admire you:
Should my Heart merit plead, though too over-bold,
Wish me no worse than still to want, desire you.
Ne're speak my Tongue, be't rather charm'd and dumb
Than smallest Word to Gain, enjoy should mention.
If Tears design to soften and o'recome,
You punish may by marbled Heart's Prevention.
But don't withdraw from me your sweetest Sight;
For though that Grant produce my secret Anguish,
Sad Days I'll spend beholding you, Earth's Light;
Since no Life else partake, my Soul must languish.
Your View debarr'd, I am but dead, or dying.
Hopes of my Torment there best Ease supplying.
| The Grecian Story | |