Nell Gwynn

By Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837–1909)

A famous actress who became the mistress of Charles II. Her son was made Duke of St. Albans. She died Nov. 13, 1687.

SWEET heart, that no taint of the throne or the stage

Could touch with unclean transformation, or alter

To the likeness of courtiers whose consciences falter

At the smile or the frown, at the mirth or the rage,

Of a master whom chance could inflame or assuage,

Our Lady of Laughter, invoked in no psalter,

Adored of no faithful that cringe and that palter,

Praise be with thee yet from a hag-ridden age.

Our Lady of Pity thou wast: and to thee

All England, whose sons are the sons of the sea,

Gives thanks, and will hear not if history snarls

When the name of the friend of her sailors is spoken:

And thy lover she cannot but love—by the token

That thy name was the last on the lips of King Charles.