William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Restoration Verse. 1910.
Ode: Fair Isabel, if ought but theeCharles Cotton (16301687)
F
I could, or would, or like, or love;
If other beauties but approve
To sweeten my captivity:
I might those passions be above,
Those powerful passions that combine
To make and keep me only thine.
Of the world’s god, prevailing gold,
Could see thy love, and my truth sold,
A greater, nobler treasury;
My flame to thee might then grow cold,
And I, like one whose love is sense,
Exchange thee for convenience.
Love thee above or health or peace,
Gold, joy, and all such toys as these,
’Bove happiness and honour too:
Thou then must know, this love can cease
Nor change, for all the glorious show
Wealth and discretion bribes us to.
As knowing best, may’st best reward;
I for thy bounty well prepared,
With open arms my blessing meet.
Then do not, dear, our joys detard;
But unto him propitious be,
That knows no love, nor life, but thee.