Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.
Mark Akenside. 17211770461. Amoret
IF rightly tuneful bards decide, | |
If it be fix’d in Love’s decrees, | |
That Beauty ought not to be tried | |
But by its native power to please, | |
Then tell me, youths and lovers, tell— | 5 |
What fair can Amoret excel? | |
Behold that bright unsullied smile, | |
And wisdom speaking in her mien: | |
Yet—she so artless all the while, | |
So little studious to be seen— | 10 |
We naught but instant gladness know, | |
Nor think to whom the gift we owe. | |
But neither music, nor the powers | |
Of youth and mirth and frolic cheer, | |
Add half the sunshine to the hours, | 15 |
Or make life’s prospect half so clear, | |
As memory brings it to the eye | |
From scenes where Amoret was by. | |
This, sure, is Beauty’s happiest part; | |
This gives the most unbounded sway; | 20 |
This shall enchant the subject heart | |
When rose and lily fade away; | |
And she be still, in spite of Time, | |
Sweet Amoret in all her prime. |