T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
A Song at the Kings House
Anonymous(From Westminster Drolleries, 1671–2) |
CLORIS, let my passion ever, | |
| Be to you as I design: | |
| Flames so noble, that you never | |
| Saw the like till you knew mine. | |
| Not a breath of feigned passion | 5 |
| From my lips shall reach your ears; | |
| Nor this love that’s now in fashion, | |
| Made of modest sighs and tears. | |
| In my breast a room so fitting | |
| For your heart I will prepare, | 10 |
| That you’ll never think of quitting, | |
| Were you once but harbour’d there. | |
| The Rent’s not great that I require | |
| From your heart, mine to repay: | |
| Fortitude’s all I desire | 15 |
| To keep your lodging from decay. | |
| Fairest Saint, then be not cruel, | |
| Nor to love me count it sin; | |
| Since a smile from you is fuel, | |
| For to keep this fire in. | 20 |
| When I am forc’d by death or age, | |
| From your flames for to retire, | |
| All true Lovers I’ll engage | |
| Still my passion to admire. | |