T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
The Subtile and Coy Girl
Anonymous(From Westminster Drolleries, 1671–2) WHY should my Celia now be coy, | |
| In denying to yield me those Graces | |
| Which we did formerly both enjoy | |
| In our amorous mutual embraces? | |
| She’ll not give me a reason, | 5 |
| But shows me a frown | |
| That’s enough to destroy a poor Lover. | |
| Ah Celia, I once did think thee mine own, | |
| But now I my folly discover. | |
| Is it because I have been so kind | 10 |
| At all times to feed thy desire | |
| In Presents and Treats, thou hast changed thy mind, | |
| And left me like Dun in the Mire? | |
| Or else is’t because thou dost | |
| Think my Estate | 15 |
| Is too mean to uphold thee in Brav’ry? | |
| Know Celia, ’tis not so much out of date, | |
| To force me endure so much slav’ry. | |
| Or is’t because thou wilt follow the mode, | |
| Since most are addicted to changing, | 20 |
| Thou’dst only get thee a name abroad, | |
| I being more famous for ranging. | |
| Nay Celia, more this truth thou would find, | |
| I therefore advise thee be wary, | |
| When ever thou get’st thee a Mate to thy mind, | 25 |
| He’ll play thee the same vagary. | |