The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. Containing, besides his Sermons, and Essays on miscellaneous subjects, several additional pieces, Selected from his Manuscripts by the Rev. Dr. Jennings, and the Rev. Dr. Doddridge, in 1753: to which are prefixed, memoirs of the life of the author, compiled by the Rev. George Burder. In six volumes |
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Few Happy Matches.
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 | The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. |  |
Few Happy Matches.
August, 1701.
I
Say, mighty love, and teach my song,To whom my sweetest joys belong,
And who the happy pairs
Whose yielding hearts and joining hands,
Find blessings twisted with their bands,
To soften all their cares.
II
Not the wild herd of nymphs and swainsThat thoughtless fly into the chains,
As custom leads the way:
If there be bliss without design,
Ivies and oaks may grow and twine,
And be as blest as they.
III
Not sordid souls of earthly mouldWho drawn by kindred charms of gold
To dull embraces move:
So two rich mountains of Peru
May rush to wealthy marriage too,
And make a world of love.
IV
Not the mad tribe that hell inspiresWith wanton flame; those raging fires
The purer bliss destroy:
On Ætna's top let furies wed,
And sheets of lightning dress the bed
T'improve the burning joy.
V
Nor the dull pairs whose marble formsNone of the melting passions warms
Can mingle hearts and hands:
Logs of green wood that quench the coals
Are marry'd, just like Stoic souls,
With osiers for their bands.
VI
Not minds of melancholy strain,Still silent, or that still complain,
Can the dear bondage bless:
As well may heav'nly consorts spring
From two old lutes with ne'er a string,
Or none besides the bass.
VII
Nor can the soft inchantments holdTwo jarring souls of angry mould,
The rugged and the keen:
Sampson's young foxes might as well
In bands of cheerful wedlock dwell,
With firebands ty'd between.
474
VIII
Nor let the cruel fetters bindA gentle to a savage mind;
For love abhors the sight:
Loose the fierce tiger from the deer,
For native rage and native fear
Rise and forbid delight.
IX
Two kindest souls alone must meet;'Tis friendship makes the bondage sweet,
And feeds their mutual loves:
Bright Venus on her rolling throne
Is drawn by gentlest birds alone,
And Cupids yoke the doves.
| The Works of the Reverend and Learned Isaac Watts, D. D. | |