Poems and Songs by Thomas Flatman. The Fourth Edition with many Additions and Amendments |
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ON DR. WOODFORD'S PARAPHRASE ON THE CANTICLES.
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 | Poems and Songs |  |
176
ON DR. WOODFORD'S PARAPHRASE ON THE CANTICLES.
I
Well! since it must be, so let it be,For what do Resolutions signifie,
When we are urg'd to write by Destiny?
II
I had resolv'd, nay, and I almost swore,My bedrid Muse should walk abroad no more:
Alas! 'tis more than time that I give o're.
III
In the Recesses of a private Breast,I thought to entertain your charming Guest,
And never to have boasted of my Feast.
177
IV
But see (my friend) when through the world you go,My Laquy-Verse must shadow-like pursue,
Thin, and Obscure to make a Foil for you.
V
'Tis true, you cannot need my feeble Praise,A lasting Monument to your Name to raise,
Well-known in Heav'n by your Angeliqu' Lays.
VI
There in indelible Characters they are writ,Where no pretended Heights will easie sit,
But those of serious consecrated Wit.
VII
By immaterial defecated Love,Your Soul its Heavenly Origin do's prove,
And in least dangerous Raptures soars above.
VIII
How could I wish (dear Friend!) unsaid agen(For once I rank'd my self with tuneful men)
Whatever dropt from my unhallowed Pen!
178
VIII
The trifling Rage of youthful heat, once past,Who is not troubled for his wit misplac'd!
All pleasant Follies breed regret at last.
X
While Reverend Donn's, and noble Herbert's FlameA glorious immortality shall claim,
In the most durable Records of Fame,
XI
Our modish Rhimes, like Culinary Fire,Unctuous and Earthy, shall in smoak expire;
In odorous Clouds your Incense shall aspire.
VII
Let th' Pagan-world your pious verse defie,Yet shall they envy when they come to die,
Your wiser Projects on Eternity.
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