T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
The Subtile and Coy Girl
Anonymous(From Westminster Drolleries, 1671–2) WHY should my Celia now be coy, | |
In denying to yield me those Graces | |
Which we did formerly both enjoy | |
In our amorous mutual embraces? | |
She’ll not give me a reason, | 5 |
But shows me a frown | |
That’s enough to destroy a poor Lover. | |
Ah Celia, I once did think thee mine own, | |
But now I my folly discover. | |
Is it because I have been so kind | 10 |
At all times to feed thy desire | |
In Presents and Treats, thou hast changed thy mind, | |
And left me like Dun in the Mire? | |
Or else is’t because thou dost | |
Think my Estate | 15 |
Is too mean to uphold thee in Brav’ry? | |
Know Celia, ’tis not so much out of date, | |
To force me endure so much slav’ry. | |
Or is’t because thou wilt follow the mode, | |
Since most are addicted to changing, | 20 |
Thou’dst only get thee a name abroad, | |
I being more famous for ranging. | |
Nay Celia, more this truth thou would find, | |
I therefore advise thee be wary, | |
When ever thou get’st thee a Mate to thy mind, | 25 |
He’ll play thee the same vagary. | |