University of Virginia Library

Phillis Nun-like Coyness.

PHILLIS, Fayrest, why so coy
So daynty-nice? when but t'enjoy
One favour such a task doth prove,
Herculean Labour: tell me Love;
What though that daintier Hand touch mine,
(Of spotless Allablaster-shine)
Would't shew less fayr, and sulli'd be?
Or lose the fashion, if by me
But kindly prest? though never I
Their sacred white do come so nigh
But with washt hands, nor touch their Down
But reverentiall fear does crown
The Devout Palm: your Glove all day
May freelier touch; your Seizers may,
Silk, needle, lawn, nay, meaner thred:
Then is my Hand more vile indeed
Then these? or say, you purify
Those things by Touch, like Chimistry
May these course hands sublime, refine.
Or say those dayntier Lips touch mine,
Are they impoverisht in their store?
Or wast their Delicates the more
By often giving [since they are
A lasting sweetness] or less fair,
Ought lose their colour Ruby excelling?
The more they'r kiss'd, more red and swelling.
The wanton ayre with hovering play
May touch them, and the tawny Ray
Of Phœbus Toys, which often please;
Then are my lips more base then these?
The Fly may buzzing kiss, and touch
[Unblam'd] those Cherries; min's hut such.
'Las, can you chide and frown when I
[Nye starv'd] do beg the Charity
Th'Alms of one kiss? twas never yet
Held sin for Starvelings to crave meat;
That's free: would you not life bestow
Where your self nere the poorer grow?
Nay sweetest, wer't love-relish'd, this,
You would seem richer by a kiss:
Love's first-course, second Min age tis.