T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
An Epilogue
By John Crowne (1640?–1712)(From The Destruction of Jerusalem) HOW! is the gallant British nation here? | |
| Nay then in spite of Titus I’ll appear, | |
| And make this brave assembly judge my cause; | |
| Would you forsake your loves for fear of laws? | |
| You are as brave, where love is in the case, | 5 |
| Men fear no danger, women no disgrace. | |
| A confidant is out of fashion grown, | |
| Or any common friend will serve for one. | |
| Who, madam, pays your eyes their tribute due? | |
| —’Tis my Lord such a one:—and, is he true?— | 10 |
| —Oh! very true, and worthy my esteem.— | |
| —And, madam, had you pretty Miss by him?— | |
| —Yes, madam;—oh! we lead a pleasant life, | |
| Lord how we laugh at his poor nauseous wife!— | |
| —I thought you were adored by such a one:— | 15 |
| —I loved him first, but that intrigue is done.— | |
| —Why did you part?—He was a younger brother; | |
| Besides, we grew weary of each other. | |
| Thus brave are you, nor can you well forbear; | |
| Your women charming, men most gallant are. | 20 |
| With this small beauty I might servants have, | |
| Now I am free; but I your pardon crave, | |
| I never more will any friendships make, | |
| For my unkind, unconstant lover’s sake. | |
| No!—you love as Gauls do in the field, | 25 |
| Charge fierce, subdue, but soon your conquests yield; | |
| Never keep long the beauties which you take, | |
| But first dismantle them, then give them back. | |
| Then to all new intrigues a long farewell; | |
| But woman-like though I dissemble well, | 30 |
| I love to talk of my false lover oft; | |
| And if the passions I have sighed be soft, | |
| And such as may unhappy beauties please, | |
| All you forsaken slighted mistresses, | |
| In mind, to hear your own complainings come; | 35 |
| ’Tis better than to mope alone at home, | |
| Or in the rooms, where first your hearts were won, | |
| Or private lodgings, where you were—undone. | |
| Come, all of you! But if the half resort, | |
| Queen Berenice will have a crowded court. | 40 |