University of Virginia Library

Ostella's Welcome to Town.

Welcome Ostella with thy Beams more bright,
Than those that brought the Chaos, form, and Light:
Welcome, as is a timely season'd Spring,
And the kind tokens it with it doth bring:
Welcome, as are the Seasons of the Year
Unto the earth, or News unto the Ear
Of him that hath long time lain doom'd to die;
A pardons brought for his Delivery:
Welcome, as health to the afflicted Sense,
Or wealth in its intended innocence:
Welcome, as Ransoms to poor Captives are,
Or as deliv'rance to the Mariner:
Welcome, as peace to a Distracted State,
On which a tedious War hath quarter'd hate:
Welcome, as is the end to all my fears,
And welcome, as the Musick of the Sphears
To a departing Soul, or Angels sing
A Message to't, which heavenly Comfort bring:
Welcome my Dearest unto me, as Joy
To the sad Heart, whom Love sought to distroy.
Welcome, as is loves best fruition to
The longing Souls of them did long time Woo.
Welcome, as is my fancy to my Pen,
When it is rich, and fit for sight of men:
Welcome, as is restored Roses to
The Cheeks, the hand of sickness would undo:
Welcome, to me thou Sum of earthly good:
Welcome, as honour to deserving bloud:
Welcome, as Conquest to the valiant mind:
Welcome, as Restauration to the blind:
Welcome, to me as is that holy fire
Into the Vestals Brests Heaven doth inspire:
Welcome, as is their blisse, when they resign
Their Clay to earth, and do become Divine:
Welcome, as is Divine untainted Love,
And welcome, as a blessing from above.