Classic Poem

A PASTORAL .

TETRICEZZA .

Sooner the olive shall provoke
To amorous clasps this sturdy oak,
And doves in league with eagles be,
Ere I will glance a smile on thee.

AMELIUS .

Sooner yon dustish mulberry
In her old white shall clothed be,
And lizards with fierce asps combine,
Ere I will twist my soul with thine.

TETRICEZZA .

Yet art thou in my judgment far
Fairer than a rising star,
And might deserve e'en Dian's love,
But shalt not Tetricezza move.

AMELIUS .

And thou art sweeter than the down
Of damask roses yet unblown,
And Phaebus might thy bridegroom be,
Yet shalt thou never conquer me.

TETRICEZZA .

Why meet we, then, when either's mind
Or comes compell'd, or stays behind?

AMELIUS .

Just as two boughs together tied,
Let loose again do stand more wide.

SONG .

Distil not poison in mine ears,
Airial Syrens! nor untie
These sable fetters: yonder spheres
Dance to a silent harmony.

Could I but follow where you lead,
Disrob'd of earth and plum'd by air,
Then I my tenuous self might spread,
As quick as fancy every where.

But I'll make sallies now and then:
Thus can my unconfined eye
Take journey and return again;
Yet on her crystal couch still lie,