T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
A Motion to Pleasure
Anonymous(From Harl. MS. 6917) STILL to affect, still to admire, | |
Yet never satisfy desire | |
With touch of hand, or lip, or that | |
Which pleaseth best (I name not what),— | |
Like Tantalus I pining die, | 5 |
Taking Love’s dainties at the eye. | |
Nature made nothing but for use, | |
And, fairest, ’twere a gross abuse | |
To her best work if you it hold | |
Unused, like misers’ ill-got gold, | 10 |
Or keep it in a virgin scorn, | |
Like rich robes that are seldom worn. | |