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University of Virginia Library

Behn, Aphra (1640-1689)

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To Mrs. B. on her Poems.

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[A Constancy in Love I'll prise]

[A thousand Martyrs I have made]

[Poor Lycidus for shame arise]

[Ah, cruel Love! when will thy Torments cease?]

['Twas there, I saw my Rival take]

[Why shou'd that faithless wanton give]

[Farewel, my little charming Boy!]

[That Coxcomb can ne're be at ease]

[Not to sigh and to be tender]

[Let Love no more your Heart inspire]

[The God of Love beholding every day]

[Cease to defend your Amorous Heart]

[When you Love, or speak of it]

[When to the charming Bellinda I came]

[Why, fair Maid, are you uneasy]

[Oh! what Pleasure 'tis to find]

[He that wou'd precious time improve]

[Cease, cease, that vain and useless scorn]

[A Lovers Rage and Jealousie]

[Oh! how soft it is to see]

[Thô my Heart were full of Passion]

[When Love shall two fair objects mix]

[Fly, Lysidus, this hated Place]

[Oh! fond remembrance! do not bring]

[All you Beauties and Attractions]

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A Miscellany OF POEMS.

On the Honourable Sir Francis Fane,

Cato's Answer to Labienus, when he advis'd him to consult the Oracle of Jupiter Ammon.

To Alexis in Answer to his Poem against Fruition. by Mrs. B.

To Alexis, On his saying, I lov'd a Man that talk'd much. by Mrs. B.

A Pastoral Pindarick. By Mrs. Behn.

On Desire By Mrs. B.

To Amintas, by Mrs. B.

On the first discovery of falseness in Amintas. By Mrs. B.

To the fair Clarinda, By Mrs. B.

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34

[When you Love, or speak of it]

When you Love, or speak of it,
Make no serious matter on't,
'Twill make but subject for her wit
And gain her scorn in lieu of Grant.
Sneeking, whining, dull Grimasses
Pale the Appetite, they'd move;
Only Boys and formal Asses
Thus are Ridicul'd by Love.

While you make a Mystery
Of your Love and awful flame;
Young and tender Hearts will fly,
Frighted at the very name;
Always brisk and gayly court
Make Love your pleasure not your pain,
'Tis by wanton play and sport
Heedless Virgins you will gain.