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Poems On several Choice and Various Subjects

Occasionally Composed By An Eminent Author. Collected and Published by Sergeant-Major P. F. [i.e. James Howell]

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Upon a Cupboard of Venice-Glasses, sent for a New-years-gift to a choice Lady.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


97

Upon a Cupboard of Venice-Glasses, sent for a New-years-gift to a choice Lady.

Madame,

If on this New-years-gift you cast an eye,
You plainly may therein at once descry
A twofold quality; for there will appear
A brittle substance, but the Object clear.
So in the Donor, Madame, you may see
These Qualities inherent for to be:
His Pow'r which brittle little is, Helas,
His Mind sincere, and pure as any Glass.
The old Philospher did wish there were
A window in his Heart of Chrystal clear,
Through which his friends might the more clearly see
His inward Passions, and Integrity.
I wish the like, for then you sure wold rest
Of my clear Mind, and motions of my Brest.
But if it question'd be to what intent
With Venice-Glasses I do you present,
I answer, That I could no Gift perceive
So fit for me to give, you to receive:
For those rare Graces that in you excel,
And you that hold them, one may parallel

98

Unto a Venice-Glass, which as 'tis clear,
And can admit no poyson to come near,
So Vertu dwells in you, nor can endure
That Vice shold harbour in a Brest so pure.