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Poems

by Thomas Stanley
 

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Loves Innocence.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Loves Innocence.

Se how this Ivy strives to twine
Her wanton arms about the Vine,
And her coy lover thus restrains,
Entangled in her amorous chains;
See how these neighb'ring Palms do bend
Their heads, and mutual murmurs send,
As whisp'ring with a jealous fear
Their loves, into each others ear.
Then blush not such a flame to own
As like thy self no crime hath known;
Led by these harmlesse guides, we may
Embrace and kisse as well as they.
And like those blessed souls above,
Whose life is harmony and love,
Let us our mutual thoughts betray
And in our wils our minds display;

33

This silent speech is swifter far,
Then the ears lazy species are;
And the expression it affords
(As our desires) 'bove reach of words.
Thus we (my Dear) of these may learn
A Passion others not discern;
Nor can it shame or blushes move,
Like Plants to live, like Angels love:
Since All excuse with equal Innocence
What above Reason is, or beneath Sence.