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ON CHLORIS WALKING IN THE SNOW.

I SAW fair CHLORIS walk alone,
When feathered rain came softly down;
Then Jove descended from his Tower,
To court her in a silver shower.

The wanton snow flew to her breast,
Like little birds into their nest;
But overcome with whiteness there,
For grief, it thawed into a tear:
Then falling down her garment hem,
(To deck her) froze into a gem.

WHEN THIRSIS did the splendid eye
Of PHILLIS, his fair Mistress, spy,
'Was ever such a glorious Queen,'
Said he, 'unless above 'twere seen!'

Fair PHILLIS, with a blushing Air,
Hearing those words, became more fair.
'Away!' says he, 'You need not take
Fresh beauty, you more fair to make!'

Then, with a winning smile and look,
His candid flattery she took.

'O stay!' said he, ''tis done, I vow!
THIRSIS is captivated now!'

FINE young Folly! though you were
That fair Beauty I did swear;
Yet you ne'er could reach my heart!
For we, Courtiers, learn at school,
Only with your Sex to fool!

Y' are not worth the serious part!

When I sigh, and kiss your hand;
Cross my arms, and wond'ring stand,
Holding parley with your eye;
Then dilate on my desires,

Swear, the sun ne'er shot such fires:
All is but a handsome lie!

When I eye your curl, or lace,
Gentle Soul! you think your face
Straight some murder doth commit!
And your virtue doth begin
To grow scrupulous of my sin :

Therefore, Madam, wear no cloud!
Nor, to check my love, grow proud!
For, in sooth, I much do doubt
'Tis the powder in your hair,
Not your breath, perfumes the air!
And your clothes, that set you out!

Yet though truth hath this confest;
And I vow, I love in jest!
When I next begin to court,

And protest an amorous flame; You will swear I, in earnest am! Bedlam! This is pretty sport!

VERSES

WRITTEN AT THE TIME OF THE EXECUTION OF

THOMAS WENTWORTH, EARL OF STRAFFORD;

AND IN HIS NAME.

Go, empty joys,

With all your noise;

And leave me here alone,
In sweet sad silence, to bemoan
Your vain and fleet delight!
Whose danger, none can see aright;
Whilst your false splendour dims his sight.

Go, and insnare,

With your false ware,

Some other easy wight;

And cheat him, with your flattering light!
Rain on his head, a shower

Of Honours, Favour, Wealth, and Power!
Then, snatch it from him in an hour!

Fill his big mind
With gallant wind

Of insolent applause!

Let him not fear all-curbing Laws!
Nor King! nor people's frown!

But dream of something like a crown;
Then, climbing towards it, tumble down!

Let him appear,
In his bright Sphere,

Like CYNTHIA in her pride;
With star-like troops on every side!

Such, for their number and their light, As may, at last, o'erwhelm him quite; And blend us both in one dead night.

Welcome, sad Night;
Grief's sole delight!

Your mourning best agrees
With Honour's funeral obsequies!
In THETIS' lap he lies,

Mantled with soft securities;

Whose too much sunshine blinds his eyes!

Was he too bold,

That needs would hold, With curbing reins, the Day; And make SOL's fiery steeds obey? Then, sure, as rash was I! Who, with ambitious wings, did fly In CHARLES his Wain too loftily!

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