Volume Ii Part 49 (2/2)

No, no, the utmost share Of my desire shall be Only to kiss that air That lately kissed thee.

Robert Herrick [1591-1674]

”COME, CHLOE, AND GIVE ME SWEET KISSES”

Come, Chloe, and give me sweet kisses, For sweeter sure never girl gave; But why in the midst of my blisses, Do you ask me how many I'd have?

I'm not to be stinted in pleasure, Then, prithee, my charmer, be kind, For whilst I love thee above measure, To numbers I'll ne'er be confined.

Count the bees that on Hybla are playing, Count the flowers that enamel its fields, Count the flocks that on Tempe are straying, Or the grain that rich Sicily yields, Go number the stars in the heaven, Count how many sands on the sh.o.r.e, When so many kisses you've given, I still shall be craving for more.

To a heart full of love, let me hold thee, To a heart that, dear Chloe, is thine; In my arms I'll for ever enfold thee, And twist round thy limbs like a vine.

What joy can be greater than this is?

My life on thy lips shall be spent!

But the wretch that can number his kisses, With few will be ever content.

Charles Hanbury Williams [1708-1759]

A RIDDLE

I am just two and two, I am warm, I am cold, And the parent of numbers that cannot be told, I am lawful, unlawful--a duty, a fault-- I am often sold dear, good for nothing when bought; An extraordinary boon, and a matter of course, And yielded with pleasure when taken by force.

William Cowper [1731-1800]

TO A KISS

Soft child of love, thou balmy bliss, Inform me, O delicious kiss, Why thou so suddenly art gone, Lost in the moment thou art won?

Yet go! For wherefore should I sigh?

On Delia's lips, with raptured eye, On Delia's blus.h.i.+ng lips I see A thousand full as sweet as thee.

John Wolcot [1738-1819]

SONG

Often I have heard it said That her lips are ruby-red.

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