Sir Charles Sedley
¶[i6s9(?)-i70i]
¶260 ChlorisAh, Chloris! could I now but sitAs unconcern'd as whenYour infant beauty could begetNo happiness or pain!When I the dawn used to admire.And praised the coming day,I little thought the rising fireWould take my rest away.
¶Your charms in harmless childhood layLike metals in a mine;Age from no face takes more awayThan youth conceal'd in thine.But as your charms insensiblyTo their perfection prest.So love as unperceived did fly.And center'd in my breast.[384]My passion with your beauty grew,While Cupid at my heartStill as his mother favour'd youThrew a new flaming dart:Each gloried in their wanton part;To make a lover, heEmploy'd the utmost of his art—To make a beauty, she.
¶26/ Celia
¶Not, Celia, that I juster amOr better than the rest;For I would change each hour, like them,Were not my heart at rest.
¶But I am tied to very theeBy every thought I have;Thy face I only care to see.Thy heart I only crave.
¶All that in woman is adoredIn thy dear self I find—For the whole sex can but affordThe handsome and the kind.
¶Why then should I seek further store,And still make love anew?When change itself can give no more,'Tis easy to be true.