The poems of John Wilmot: Earl of Rochester :: :: University of Virginia Library

To this moment a Rebell I throw down my Arms
Great Love at first sight of Olindas bright Charms
Made prowd and secure by such forces as these
You may now be a Tyrant as soon as you please.

When Innocence, Beauty, and witt doe Conspire,
To betray, and engage, and enflame my Desire,
Why should I decline what I cannott avoyd
And let pleaseing hope by base fear be destroy'd.

Her Innocence cannott contrive to undoe me,
Her beauties enclin'd, or why should it pursue me,
And witt has to pleasure been ever a Freind,
Then what Roome for dispair since delight is Loves end.

There can be no danger in sweetness and youth
Where Love is secur'd by Good nature and Truth
On her beauty I'le gaze, and of pleasure Complain,
While every kind look adds a link to my Chain.

'Tis more to maintaine, then it was to surprise,
But her witt leads in Triumph the slave of her eies—
I beheld with the losse of my freedome before
But heareing for ever must serve and adore.

Too bright is my Goddess; her Temple too weak
Retire Divine Image I feel my heart break
Help Love I dissolve in a Rapture of Charms
At the thought of those Joyes I should meet in her Arms.