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The RENT.
1677.
To the Honourable Lady, Mrs. Chaworth.
Or worn with cares, and ag'd with discontent;
I'm scarcely able to procure your Rent.
Tho Poverty, and Poetry may hit;
Tenants, I'm sure, it will but odly fit.
Besides a double Obligation's due;
Since I have paid most Persons off, but you.
No greater happiness could me befall;
Not that I'm quit from them, but owe you all.
Poor Debtors so (that are behind hand hurl'd,
Frown'd on above by th' Stars, below by th' World,)
Contract their Mortgages; One mortal wound
Less pain, than living to be flead, is found.
One Massy Fetter (tho its weight be more)
Is far less troublesome than half a score:
None (tho with Bracelets) would be hung all o're.
A Dungeon's easier, than at once to be
Both Stockt, and Whipt, and on the Pillory.
Thus roving Lovers that diffuse their Fires,
(New objects always kindling fresh desires)
Catching the flame, like Powder, at a touch,
Ne'r rightly love, because they love too much:
So men in Debt almost to every one,
Are so distracted, they can pay to none.
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To others, now concenter all in you.
But, Madam, as each Debt to Heav'n requires
The Stock o'th' Heart, and use of our Desires;
So mine shall be as justly paid to you;
Both in the Principal, and Int'rest too.
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