T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
Yes I Could Love If I Could Find
Anonymous(From Malone MS. 16) YES I could love if I could find | |
| A mistress fitting to my mind; | |
| Whom neither pride nor gold could move | |
| To buy her beauty, sell her love; | |
| Were neat, yet cared not to be fine, | 5 |
| And loved me for myself, not mine; | |
| Were rather comely than too fair, | |
| White skinn’d and of a lovely hair; | |
| Not ever-blushing, nor too bold; | |
| Not ever-fond, nor yet too cold; | 10 |
| Not sullen-silent, nor all tongue; | |
| Nor puling walk, nor manlike strong; | |
| Modestly full of pleasing mirth, | |
| Yet close as centre of the earth; | |
| In whom you no passion see | 15 |
| But when she looks or speaks of me; | |
| Who calls to bed with melting eyes; | |
| As sweet and fresh as morn, doth rise: | |
| If such a one you chance to find, | |
| She is a mistress to my mind. | 20 |