Lucasta Epodes, Odes, Sonnets, Songs, &c. To which is added Aramantha, A Pastorall. By Richard Lovelace |
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To my much loved friend, Richard Lovelace Esq.
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To my much loved friend, Richard Lovelace Esq.
Carmen Eroticum.
Deare Lovelace, I am now about to proveI cannot write a verse but can write Love.
On such a subject as thy Booke, I coo'd
Write Books much greater, but not half so good.
A chicke or egges for's offering,
Is tane into the buttry, and does fox
Equall with him that gave a stalled oxe:
So, (since the heart of ev'ry cheerfull giver
Makes pounds no more accepted then a stiver,)
Though som thy prayse in rich stiles sing, I may
In sliver stile write Love as well as they.
I write so well that I no Criticks feare;
For who'le read mine, when as thy booke's so neer,
Vnlesse thy selfe? then you shall secure mine
From those, and Ile engage my selfe for thine;
They'l do't themselves, thē this allay you'l take,
I love thy book, and yet not for thy sake.
John Jephson Col.
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