T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
An Epithalamium on the Marriage of the Honourable Charles Leigh
Anonymous(From Pills to Purge Melancholy, 1719) DRAW, draw the Curtain, fie, make haste, | |
The panting Lovers long to be alone, | |
The precious Time no more in talking waste, | |
There’s better Business going on; | |
Our Absence will their Wishes crown, | 5 |
The next swift Moment’s not too soon, | |
Our artful Song sounds like a Drone, | |
For now all Music, but their own, | |
Is harsh, and out of Tune. | |
Now Love inflames the Bridegroom’s Heart, | 10 |
How weak, how poor a Charmer is the Flute; | |
And when the Bride’s fair Eyes her Wishes dart, | |
How dully sounds the warbling Lute. | |
If this Divine, harmonious Bliss | |
Attends each happy Marriage Day, | 15 |
Who such a blessed State would miss, | |
And such a charming Tune as this, | |
Who would not learn to play? | |
Oh, Joy too fierce to be exprest, | |
Thou sweet Atoner of Life’s greatest Pain, | 20 |
By thee are Men with Love’s dear Treasure blest, | |
And Women still by losing gain. | |
Smile then divine, propitious Pow’rs, | |
Upon this Pair let Blessings flow, | |
Let Care mix with their Sweets, not Sours, | 25 |
But may succeeding Days and Hours | |
Be charming all as now. | |