Volume Ii Part 30 (2/2)

A SONG

My dear mistress has a heart Soft as those kind looks she gave me; When with love's restless art, And her eyes, she did enslave me.

But her constancy's so weak, She's so wild and apt to wander, That my jealous heart would break Should we live one day asunder.

Melting joys about her move, Killing pleasures, wounding blisses; She can dress her eyes in love, And her lips can arm with kisses.

Angels listen when she speaks; She's my delight, all mankind's wonder; But my jealous heart would break Should we live one day asunder.

John Wilmot [1647-1680]

LOVE AND LIFE

All my past life is mine no more; The flying hours are gone, Like transitory dreams given o'er, Whose images are kept in store By memory alone.

The time that is to come is not; How can it then be mine?

The present moment's all my lot; And that, as fast as it is got, Phillis, is only thine.

Then talk not of inconstancy, False hearts, and broken vows; If I by miracle can be This live-long minute true to thee, 'Tis all that Heaven allows.

John Wilmot [1647-1680]

CONSTANCY

I cannot change as others do, Though you unjustly scorn; Since that poor swain that sighs for you For you alone was born.

No, Phillis, no; your heart to move A surer way I'll try; And, to revenge my slighted love, Will still live on, will still live on and die.

When, killed with grief, Amyntas lies, And you to mind shall call The sighs that now unpitied rise, The tears that vainly fall-- That welcome hour that ends this smart, Will then begin your pain; For such a faithful tender heart Can never break, can never break in vain.

John Wilmot [1647-1680]

SONG

Too late, alas! I must confess, You need not arts to move me; Such charms by nature you possess, 'Twere madness not to love ye.

Then spare a heart you may surprise, And give my tongue the glory To boast, though my unfaithful eyes Betray a tender story.

John Wilmot [1647-1680]

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