The Chast and Lost Lovers :: :: University of Virginia Library

The Chast and Lost Lovers

Lively shadowed in the persons of Arcadius and Sepha, and illustrated with the severall stories of Haemon and Antigone, Eramio and Amissa, Phaon and Sappho, Delithason and Verista. Being a description of several Lovers smiling with delight, and with hopes fresh as their youth, and fair as their beauties in the beginning of their Affections, and covered with Bloud and Horror in the conclusion. To this is added the Contestation betwixt Bacchus and Diana, and certain Sonnets of the Author to Aurora. Digested into three Poems by Will. [i.e. by William Bosworth]. Bosworth

Bosworth, William (1607-1650?)

[epigraph]

[dedication]

[section]

On the Amorous and pathetick story of Arcadius and Sepha, &c.

On the exact and elabourate story of Arcadius and Sepha, and the rest of the Beavy of the Lovers

An Epitaph on the deceased Author, in allusion to his Sonnets on Aurora.

On the deathlesse Poems of the deceased Author.

On these laboured Poems of the deceased Authour, Mr. William Bosworth.

The Booke to the Reader.

Arcadius and Sepha.

THE HISTORIE OF Arcadius and Sepha.

Amissa to Eramio.

The story of Phaon and Sappho.

[subsection]

The Story of Delithason and Verista.

[subsection]

[epilogue]

Hinc Lachrimæ,

To the immortall memory of the fairest and most vertuous Lady, the Lady

To his dear Friend Mr. John Emely upon his Travells.

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Amissa to Eramio.

I heard how elder times enjoy'd the bliss
Of uncouth love, Fame the Historian is,
Men whose heroick spirits scorn to bend
Their gallant necks to any servile hand,
Whose beauty could command as noble eyes,
I, and as many as these Azure skies
E're shew'd thy face, to view with a desire
Their glorious parts, and viewing to admire;
Yet these in whom each God have plac d an eye,
To make a shrill and pleasant harmony
Of all their glories in one sound alone,
Yet these so far have their affection shown,
With sword and lance to make their faith approv'd,
Though as thy self not half so well belov'd.
How canst thou then disdain this humble sute
Of a pure love? how can thy pen be mute?
Many detesting love, and scorn his name,
Yet with their pens will certifie the same
By answer, that they may that harm prevent
Of future hopes, for Silence gives Consent.
Shall still unkindness overflow the brim?
Leander did to fairest Hero swim,
But I must come my self, and void of good
To strengthen me, must make my tears the flood,
And when I come, thy Tower so fast is barr'd,
Thy suppliants weak complaint will not be heard;
What is the cause thou dost affection scorn?
Shall base contempt those lovely browes adorn?
Am I too mean? look what I want of it,
So much my loyall love shall make me fit.

Let not thy thoughts accuse me cause I sue,
For true love clad with vertue needs must wooe;
Nor let thy Answer show I am refus'd,
But use me now ev'n as thou would'st be us'd.

Amissa.