T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
“O the Time That Is Past”
Anonymous(From Pills to Purge Melancholy, 1707) O THE TIME that is past, | |
| When she held me so fast, | |
| And declared that her Honour no longer could last; | |
| When no light but her languishing Eyes did appear, | |
| To prevent all excuses of Blushes and Fear. | 5 |
| When she sighed and unlaced, | |
| With such Trembling and haste, | |
| As if she had longed to be closer Embraced; | |
| My Lips the sweet pleasure of Kisses enjoyed, | |
| While my Mind was in search of hid Treasure employed. | 10 |
| My Heart set on fire, | |
| With the flames of desire, | |
| I boldly pursued what she seemed to require; | |
| But she cried for pity-sake, change your ill Mind, | |
| Pray Amyntas be Civil, or I’ll be unkind. | 15 |
| Dear Amyntas, she cries, | |
| Then casts down her Eyes, | |
| And in Kisses she gives, what in words she denies; | |
| Too sure of my Conquest, I purpose to stay, | |
| Till her free Consent had more sweetened the Prey. | 20 |
| But too late I begun, | |
| For her Passion was done, | |
| Now Amyntas, she cries, I will never be won; | |
| Your Tears and your Courtship no pity can move, | |
| For you’ve slighted the Critical minute of Love. | 25 |