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 I. 
 II. 
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II.

[Ere I found you fair and good]

—1715.
Ere I found you fair and good;
Ere the nut-brown maid I view'd;
Sunny walks and spreading trees,
Sports and theatres, could please.
Soon as e'er my Love was known,
All I left for her alone.

566

Golden hours glide smiling on,
Golden all without the sun;
Since I, happy all the while,
Hear you talk, and see you smile.
Sunny meads and living trees,
Sports and theatres, displease;
Learning's self and friends, adieu!
Joys are centred now in you.
Yet by learning shall I prove
Partly worthy of your love.
Hope so glorious will despise
Aching head and watering eyes:
Hope so glorious will allay
Midnight watch and toil of day.
Books for you aside were thrown,
Now resumed for you alone.