The works of Alexander Pennecuik of New-Hall, M.D.; containing the description of Tweeddale, and miscellaneous poems. A new edition, with copious notes, forming a complete history of the county to the present time. To which are prefixed, memoirs of Dr Pennecuik, and a map of the shire of Peebles, or Tweeddale |
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AGAINST PASSIONATE LOVE. |
 | The works of Alexander Pennecuik |  |
AGAINST PASSIONATE LOVE.
No man love's fiery passion can approveAs either yielding profit or promotion,
I like a calm and lukewarm zeal in love,
Although I do not like it in devotion.
Besides, man needs not love unless he please;
No destiny can force his disposition.
How then can any die of that disease
Whereof himself may turn his own physician?
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And after falling into love, may die;
But I dare pawn my life he ne'er had died
Had been healthy at the heart as I.
Some others, rather than incur the slander
Of false apostates, will true martyrs prove;
But I am neither Iphis nor Leander,
I'll neither hang nor drown myself for love.
Yet I have been a lover by report,
And I have died for love as others do,
But, praised be Jove, it was in such a sort
That I revived within an hour or two.
Thus have I loved, thus have I lived till now,
And know no reason to repent me yet;
And he that any otherwise would do
His courage is no better than his wit.
| The works of Alexander Pennecuik | |