Lucasta Epodes, Odes, Sonnets, Songs, &c. To which is added Aramantha, A Pastorall. By Richard Lovelace |
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Another, upon the POEMS.
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 | Lucasta |  |
Another, upon the POEMS.
Now when the wars augment our woes and fearsAnd the shrill noise of drums oppresse our ears,
Now peace and safety from our shores are fled
To holes and cavernes to secure their head:
Now all the graces from the Land are sent,
And the nine Muses suffer banishment,
Whence spring these raptures? whence this heavenly rime?
So calme and even in so harsh a time:
Well might that charmer his faire Cælia crowne,
And that more polish't Tyterus renowne
His Sacarissa, when in groves and bowres
They could repose their limbs on beds of flowrs:
When wit had prayse, and merit had reward,
And every noble spirit did accord
To love the Muses, and their Priests to raise,
And interpale their browes with flourishing bayes;
But in a time distracted so to sing,
When peace is hurried hence on rages wing,
When the fresh bayes is from the Temple torne,
And every Art and Science made a scorne,
Then to raise up by musicke of thy Arts
Our drooping spirits and our grieved hearts,
Then to delight our souls, and to inspire
Our breast with pleasure, from thy charming Lyre,
Making us quite forget our seven yeers paines
In the past wars, unlesse that Orpheus be
A sharer in thy glory: for when he
Descended downe for his Euridice,
He stroke his Lute with like-admired Art,
And made the damned to forget their smart.
John Pinchbacke Col.
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