University of Virginia Library

The true, and happy state of Love.

VVhat I have, that I crave,
Frank I lost, yet Frank I have;
Happy am I in possessing
Of her that gives love a blessing:
Blessed love have earthly rank,
Stated in my style of Frank,
Happy style that thinks no shame
In respect of nature, name,
Form, affection, and in all
To be Frank, as we her call.
Yet so Frank, that though she be
Free, it's in such modestie,
As no Creatures are, have bin,
Can, or may tax her of sin.
Pure in love, sincere in heart,
Fair by Nature, not by Art.
Crimson blushes which display,
Reddest even makes clearest day;
Clearest, where like Ida's snow
Lillies on her cheeks do grow;
Yet so mixt with true delight,
As the red contends with white;
Yet ore'comm'd with Modesty,
Red or white gets victory.
Thus two Franks in beauty one,
Yeelds enough to dote upon;
Equal both in favour, feature,
Honour, order, name and nature;
Both inclining to one stature,
Equal'd by no earthly creature.
Per if I should paint them out,
From the head unto the foot,
I should make you then confess
They were earthly Goddesses:
And that Nature made these two,
As those Mirrors which might show
Her perfection and her store,
Challenging, who could give more!
Thus both equal in one letter,
One to either, neither better;
Twin-like seem as Time had fixt them,
As two spheres not one betwixt them;
Yet if needs one th'best do crave,
In my thoughts it's she I have:
She, whose vertues do excel
As they seem imparallel;
Modest, yet not too precise,
Wise, yet not cnoceiued wise;
Still in action, yet her will
Is so pure it ne're acts ill;
Virgin-modest, yet delights
To discourse of Hymens rights;
Yet she blushes when she heares,
Ought that's light sound in her eares;
And with skarlet-die displaies
What to women yeelds most praises:
For praise-worthy 'tis in women,
To blush at that Act is common;
Since in speech those actions show
Ill, which modest are to do;
For a Maid should be afraid,
Hearing th'loss of Maiden-head.
With this Poem, and a Pearl
Sent to Frank my faithful Girle;
I conclude with friendly vow,
To my Frank her neighbours too.