Poems With the Muses Looking-Glasse. Amyntas. Jealous Lovers. Arystippus. By Tho: Randolph ... The fourth Edition enlarged [by Thomas Randolph] |
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On six maids bathing themselves in a River.
When bashfull Day-light now was gone,
And Night that hides a blush eame on.
Six pretty Nymphs to wash away
The sweating of a summers-day,
In Chams fair streams did gently swim
And naked bathe each curious limb.
O who had this blest sight but seen
Would think that they had Clœlia's been.
A Scholler that a walk did take
(Perchance for meditation sake)
This better object chanc'd to finde,
Streight all things else were out of minde;
What sitter study in this life.
For Practick or Contemplative.
He thought poor soul what he had seen
Dyana and her Nymphs had been,
And therefore thought in piteous fear
Acteons fortunes had been near.
Or that the water Nymphs they were
Together met to sport them there.
And that to him such love they bore
As unto Hilas once before.
And Night that hides a blush eame on.
Six pretty Nymphs to wash away
The sweating of a summers-day,
In Chams fair streams did gently swim
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O who had this blest sight but seen
Would think that they had Clœlia's been.
A Scholler that a walk did take
(Perchance for meditation sake)
This better object chanc'd to finde,
Streight all things else were out of minde;
What sitter study in this life.
For Practick or Contemplative.
He thought poor soul what he had seen
Dyana and her Nymphs had been,
And therefore thought in piteous fear
Acteons fortunes had been near.
Or that the water Nymphs they were
Together met to sport them there.
And that to him such love they bore
As unto Hilas once before.
What could he think but that his eye
Six Nymphs at once did there espie
Rise from the waves? Or that perchance
Fresh-water Syrens came to dance
Upon the stream with tongue and look
To tempt poor Schollers from their book?
He could not think they Graces were
Because their numbers doubled are.
Nor can he think they Muses be
Because (alas) there wanted three.
Six Nymphs at once did there espie
Rise from the waves? Or that perchance
Fresh-water Syrens came to dance
Upon the stream with tongue and look
To tempt poor Schollers from their book?
He could not think they Graces were
Because their numbers doubled are.
Nor can he think they Muses be
Because (alas) there wanted three.
I should have rather guest that there
Another brood of Helens were.
The maids betrai'd were in a fright
And blusht, but 'twas not seen by night.
At last all by the bank did stand,
And he (kind heart) lent them his hand.
VVhere 'twas his blisse to feel all o're
Soft paps, smooth thighes, and something more.
But envious night hid from his eyes
The place where love and pleasure lies.
Another brood of Helens were.
The maids betrai'd were in a fright
And blusht, but 'twas not seen by night.
At last all by the bank did stand,
And he (kind heart) lent them his hand.
128
Soft paps, smooth thighes, and something more.
But envious night hid from his eyes
The place where love and pleasure lies.
Guesse lovers guesse, guesse you that dare
VVhat then might be this Schollers prayer.
That he had been a Cat to spy,
Or had he now Tiberius eye.
Yet since his wishes were in vain
He helpt them d'on their cloaths again,
Makes promise there should none be shent,
So with them to the Tavern went.
How they all night did sport and play
Pardon my Muse, I dare not say,
Guesse you that have a mind to know
VVhether he were a foole or no.
VVhat then might be this Schollers prayer.
That he had been a Cat to spy,
Or had he now Tiberius eye.
Yet since his wishes were in vain
He helpt them d'on their cloaths again,
Makes promise there should none be shent,
So with them to the Tavern went.
How they all night did sport and play
Pardon my Muse, I dare not say,
Guesse you that have a mind to know
VVhether he were a foole or no.
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