Poems By the most deservedly Admired Mrs Katherine Philips: The matchless Orinda. To which is added Monsieur Corneille's Pompey & Horace Tragedies. With several other Translations out of French |
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The Enquiry.
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80
The Enquiry.
1
If we no old Historian's nameAuthentick will admit,
But think all said of Friendship's fame
But Poetry or Wit:
Yet what's rever'd by Minds so pure
Must be a bright Idea sure.
2
But as our ImmortalityBy inward sense we find,
Judging that if it could not be,
It would not be design'd:
So here how could such Copies fall,
If there were no Original?
3
But if Truth be in ancient Song,Or Story we believe,
If the inspir'd and graver Throng
Have scorned to deceive;
There have been Hearts whose Friendship gave
Them thoughts at once both soft and brave.
4
Among that consecrated Few,Some more Seraphick shade
Lend me a favourable Clew
Now mists my eyes invade.
Why, having fill'd the World with Fame,
Left you so little of your flame?
81
5
Why is't so difficult to seeTwo Bodies and one Mind?
And why are those who else agree
So differently kind?
Hath Nature such fantastick art,
That she can vary every Heart?
6
Why are the bands of Friendship tiedWith so remiss a knot,
That by the most it is defied,
And by the rest forgot?
Why do we step with so light sense
From Friendship to Indifference.
7
If Friendship Sympathy impart,Why this ill-shuffled game,
That Heart can never meet with Heart,
Or Flame encounter Flame?
What does this Cruelty create?
Is't the Intrigue of Love or Fate?
8
Had Friendship ne're been known to Men,(The Ghost at last confest)
The World had been a stranger then
To all that Heaven possest.
But could it all be here acquir'd,
Not Heaven it self would be desir'd.
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