T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
The Surprising Lover
Anonymous(From Wit at a Venture; or Clio’s Privy Garden, 1674) |
LOVE, in rambling once astray, | |
| Was benighted in his way; | |
| With cold and tiresome cares opprest, | |
| He creeps in fair Lucina’s breast | |
| To shelter there and take his rest. | 5 |
| The nymph, not dreaming of her fate, | |
| And of an unexpected guess | |
| Much less, | |
| To come so late, | |
| Slept on: the youth, recov’ring heat, | 10 |
| Prepares his arms to try a feat. | |
| The deed scarce done, the nymph awakes | |
| And in the act the youngster takes, | |
| Strangely surprised, yet well contented too | |
| That she enjoyed so sweet a bed-fellow. | 15 |
| Then, viewing well her guess all o’er, | |
| She liked his presence more and more; | |
| Telling him, rather than he should begone, | |
| She’d nurse and keep him as her own: | |
| And if he’d vow ne’er to depart, | 20 |
| She’d find him lodging next her heart. | |