Katherine Philips (‘Orinda’) (1632–1664)

I DID not live until this time

Crowned my felicity,

When I could say without a crime,

I am not thine, but Thee.

This carcase breathed, and walk’d, and slept,

So that the world believed

There was a soul the motions kept;

But they were all deceived.

For as a watch by art is wound

To motion, such was mine:

But never had Orinda found

A soul till she found thine;

Which now inspires, cures, and supplies,

And guides my darkened breast:

For thou art all that I can prize,

My Joy, my Life, my Rest.

No bridegroom’s nor crown-conqueror’s mirth

To mine compared can be:

They have but pieces of this Earth,

I’ve all the World in thee.

Then let our flames still light and shine,

And no false fear control,

As innocent as our design,

Immortal as our soul.