'Tis she, and here, Lo, I unclothe and clear My Wish's cloudy character! May she enjoy it, Whose merit dare apply it, But modesty dares still deny it! Such worth as this is Shall fix my flying wishes, And determine them to kisses. Let her full glory, My fancies, fly before ye, Be ye my fictions but-her story. UPON TWO GREEN APRICOCKS SENT TO COWLEY BY SIR CRASHAW. AKE these, Time's tardy truants, sent by me thee, Pale sons of our Pomona! whose wan cheeks Have spent the patience of expecting weeks, Than e'er the fruitful Phoebus' flaming kisses Whose fruit and blossoms both bless the same bough. Into the public year's proficiency, No fruit should have the face to smile on thee, But such whose sun-born beauties what they borrow Nor need be double-gilt. How, then, must these Fain would I chide their slowness, but in their * From the edition of 1648. CARMEN DEO NOSTRO, TE DECET HYMNUS. SACRED POEMS, COLLECTED, CORRECTED, AUGMENTED, Most humbly PRESENTED, TO MY LADY THE COUNTESS OF DENBIGH. BY HER MOST DEVOTED SERVANT RICH. CRASHAW. In hearty acknowledgement of his immortal obligation to her goodness and charity. |