Lucasta Epodes, Odes, Sonnets, Songs, &c. To which is added Aramantha, A Pastorall. By Richard Lovelace |
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The faire Begger.
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 | Lucasta |  |
131
The faire Begger.
I
Comanding Asker, if it bePity that you faine would have,
Then I turne Begger unto thee,
And aske the thing that thou dost crave;
I will suffice thy hungry need
So thou wilt but my Fancy feed.
II
In all ill yeares, wa'ft ever knowneOn so much beauty such a dearth?
Which in that thrice-bequeathed gowne
Lookes like the Sun Eclipst with Earth,
Like Gold in Canvas, or with dirt
Unsoyled Ermins close begirt.
132
III
Yet happy he that can but tastThis whiter skin who thirsty is,
Fooles dote on sattin motions lac'd,
The Gods go naked in their blisse,
At th'Barrell's head there shines the Vine,
There only relishes the Wine.
IV
There quench my heat, and thou shalt supWorthy the lips that it must touch:
Nectar from out the starry Cup,
I beg thy breath not halfe so much;
So both our wants supplied shall be,
You'l give for Love, I Charity.
V
Cheape then are pearle imbroderiesThat not adorne, but clouds thy wasts
Thou shalt be cloath'd above all prise,
If thou wilt promise me imbrac't;
Wee'l ransack neither Chest or Shelfe,
Ill cover thee with mine owne selfe.
133
VI
But Cruel, if thou dost denyThis necessary almes to me;
What soft-soul'd man but with his Eye
And hand will hence be shut to thee?
Since all must judge you more unkinde;
I starve your Body, you my minde.
| Lucasta | |