FromHarl. MS.6917. fol. 86.HE or she that hopes to gainLove's best sweet without some pain,Hopes in vain.Cupid's livery no one wearsBut must put on hopes and fears,Smiles and tears,And, like to April weather,Rain and shine both together,Both or neither.
FromHarl. MS.6917. fol. 86.
HE or she that hopes to gainLove's best sweet without some pain,Hopes in vain.Cupid's livery no one wearsBut must put on hopes and fears,Smiles and tears,And, like to April weather,Rain and shine both together,Both or neither.
HE or she that hopes to gainLove's best sweet without some pain,Hopes in vain.
Cupid's livery no one wearsBut must put on hopes and fears,Smiles and tears,
And, like to April weather,Rain and shine both together,Both or neither.
FromHarl. MS.4955. fol. 146. (ByDr. Andrewes.[77])Phillis Inamorata.COME, be my valentine!I'll gather eglantine,Cowslips and sops-in-wine,With fragrant roses.Down by thy Phillis sit,She will white lilies get,And daffadilies fitTo make thee posies.I have a milk-white lamb,New-taken from the dam,It comes where'er I amWhen I call "Willy:"I have a wanton kidUnder my apron hid,A colt that ne'er was rid,A pretty filly.I bear in sign of loveA sparrow in my glove,And in my breast a dove,This shall be all thine:Besides of sheep a flock,Which yieldeth many a lock,And this shall be thy stock:Come be my valentine!
FromHarl. MS.4955. fol. 146. (ByDr. Andrewes.[77])
Phillis Inamorata.
COME, be my valentine!I'll gather eglantine,Cowslips and sops-in-wine,With fragrant roses.Down by thy Phillis sit,She will white lilies get,And daffadilies fitTo make thee posies.I have a milk-white lamb,New-taken from the dam,It comes where'er I amWhen I call "Willy:"I have a wanton kidUnder my apron hid,A colt that ne'er was rid,A pretty filly.I bear in sign of loveA sparrow in my glove,And in my breast a dove,This shall be all thine:Besides of sheep a flock,Which yieldeth many a lock,And this shall be thy stock:Come be my valentine!
COME, be my valentine!I'll gather eglantine,Cowslips and sops-in-wine,With fragrant roses.Down by thy Phillis sit,She will white lilies get,And daffadilies fitTo make thee posies.
I have a milk-white lamb,New-taken from the dam,It comes where'er I amWhen I call "Willy:"I have a wanton kidUnder my apron hid,A colt that ne'er was rid,A pretty filly.
I bear in sign of loveA sparrow in my glove,And in my breast a dove,This shall be all thine:Besides of sheep a flock,Which yieldeth many a lock,And this shall be thy stock:Come be my valentine!
BySir Charles Sedley.The Fall.AS Chloe o'er the meadow pastI viewed the lovely maid:She turned and blushed, renewed her haste,And feared by me to be embraced:My eyes my wish betrayed.I trembling felt the rising flame,The charming nymph pursued;Daphne was not so bright a game,Tho' great Apollo's darling dame,Nor with such charms endued.I followed close, the fair still flewAlong the grassy plain;The grass at length my rival grew,And catched my Chloe by the shoe;Her speed was then in vain.But, oh! as tottering down she fell,What did the fall reveal?Such limbs description cannot tell;Such charms were never in the Mall,Nor smock did e'er conceal.She shrieked; I turned my ravished eyesAnd, burning with desire,I helped the Queen of Love to rise:She checked her anger and surprise,And said, "Rash youth, retire;"Begone, and boast what you have seen;It shan't avail you much:I know you like my form and mien,Yet since so insolent you've been,The Parts disclosed you ne'er shall touch."
BySir Charles Sedley.
The Fall.
AS Chloe o'er the meadow pastI viewed the lovely maid:She turned and blushed, renewed her haste,And feared by me to be embraced:My eyes my wish betrayed.I trembling felt the rising flame,The charming nymph pursued;Daphne was not so bright a game,Tho' great Apollo's darling dame,Nor with such charms endued.I followed close, the fair still flewAlong the grassy plain;The grass at length my rival grew,And catched my Chloe by the shoe;Her speed was then in vain.But, oh! as tottering down she fell,What did the fall reveal?Such limbs description cannot tell;Such charms were never in the Mall,Nor smock did e'er conceal.She shrieked; I turned my ravished eyesAnd, burning with desire,I helped the Queen of Love to rise:She checked her anger and surprise,And said, "Rash youth, retire;"Begone, and boast what you have seen;It shan't avail you much:I know you like my form and mien,Yet since so insolent you've been,The Parts disclosed you ne'er shall touch."
AS Chloe o'er the meadow pastI viewed the lovely maid:She turned and blushed, renewed her haste,And feared by me to be embraced:My eyes my wish betrayed.
I trembling felt the rising flame,The charming nymph pursued;Daphne was not so bright a game,Tho' great Apollo's darling dame,Nor with such charms endued.
I followed close, the fair still flewAlong the grassy plain;The grass at length my rival grew,And catched my Chloe by the shoe;Her speed was then in vain.
But, oh! as tottering down she fell,What did the fall reveal?Such limbs description cannot tell;Such charms were never in the Mall,Nor smock did e'er conceal.
She shrieked; I turned my ravished eyesAnd, burning with desire,I helped the Queen of Love to rise:She checked her anger and surprise,And said, "Rash youth, retire;
"Begone, and boast what you have seen;It shan't avail you much:I know you like my form and mien,Yet since so insolent you've been,The Parts disclosed you ne'er shall touch."
FromPoems. ByW[illiam] H[ammond], 1655.The Forsaken Maid.GO, fickle man, and teach the moon to change,The winds to vary, the coy bee to range:You that despise the conquest of a townRendered without resistance of one frown.Is this of easy faith the recompense?Is my prone love's too prodigal expenseRewarded with disdain? did ever dartRebound from such a penetrable heart?Diana, in the service of whose shrineMyself to single life I will confine,Revenge thy votaress; for unto theeThe reeling Ocean bends his azure knee.And since he loves upon rough seas to ride,Grant such an Adria whose swelling tideAnd stormy tongue may his false vessel wrackAnd make the cordage of his heart to crack.
FromPoems. ByW[illiam] H[ammond], 1655.
The Forsaken Maid.
GO, fickle man, and teach the moon to change,The winds to vary, the coy bee to range:You that despise the conquest of a townRendered without resistance of one frown.Is this of easy faith the recompense?Is my prone love's too prodigal expenseRewarded with disdain? did ever dartRebound from such a penetrable heart?Diana, in the service of whose shrineMyself to single life I will confine,Revenge thy votaress; for unto theeThe reeling Ocean bends his azure knee.And since he loves upon rough seas to ride,Grant such an Adria whose swelling tideAnd stormy tongue may his false vessel wrackAnd make the cordage of his heart to crack.
GO, fickle man, and teach the moon to change,The winds to vary, the coy bee to range:You that despise the conquest of a townRendered without resistance of one frown.
Is this of easy faith the recompense?Is my prone love's too prodigal expenseRewarded with disdain? did ever dartRebound from such a penetrable heart?
Diana, in the service of whose shrineMyself to single life I will confine,Revenge thy votaress; for unto theeThe reeling Ocean bends his azure knee.
And since he loves upon rough seas to ride,Grant such an Adria whose swelling tideAnd stormy tongue may his false vessel wrackAnd make the cordage of his heart to crack.
Another.KNOW, falsest man, as my love wasGreater than thine or thy desert,My scorn shall likewise thine surpass:And thus I tear thee from my heart.Thou art so far my love belowThat than my anger thou art less;I neither love nor quarrel now,But pity thy unworthiness.Go join, before thou think to wed,Thy heart and tongue in wedlock's knot;Can peace be reaped from his bedWho with himself accordeth not?Go learn to weigh thy words uponThe balance of reality,And having that perfectionAttained, come then and I'll scorn thee.
Another.
KNOW, falsest man, as my love wasGreater than thine or thy desert,My scorn shall likewise thine surpass:And thus I tear thee from my heart.Thou art so far my love belowThat than my anger thou art less;I neither love nor quarrel now,But pity thy unworthiness.Go join, before thou think to wed,Thy heart and tongue in wedlock's knot;Can peace be reaped from his bedWho with himself accordeth not?Go learn to weigh thy words uponThe balance of reality,And having that perfectionAttained, come then and I'll scorn thee.
KNOW, falsest man, as my love wasGreater than thine or thy desert,My scorn shall likewise thine surpass:And thus I tear thee from my heart.
Thou art so far my love belowThat than my anger thou art less;I neither love nor quarrel now,But pity thy unworthiness.
Go join, before thou think to wed,Thy heart and tongue in wedlock's knot;Can peace be reaped from his bedWho with himself accordeth not?
Go learn to weigh thy words uponThe balance of reality,And having that perfectionAttained, come then and I'll scorn thee.
FromMalone MS.13. fol. 53.To the Lady May.YOUR smiles are not, as other women's be,Only the drawing of the mouth awry;For breasts and cheeks and forehead we may see,Parts wanting motion, all stand smiling by:Heaven hath no mouth, and yet is said to smileAfter your style:No more hath earth, yet that smiles too,Just as you do.No simpering lips nor looks can breedSuch smiles as from your face proceed:The sun must lend his golden beams,Soft winds their breath, green trees their shade,Sweet fields their flowers, clear springs their streams,Ere such another smile be made:But these concurring, we may say"So smiles the spring and so smiles lovely May."Au. Townsend.[78]
FromMalone MS.13. fol. 53.
To the Lady May.
YOUR smiles are not, as other women's be,Only the drawing of the mouth awry;For breasts and cheeks and forehead we may see,Parts wanting motion, all stand smiling by:Heaven hath no mouth, and yet is said to smileAfter your style:No more hath earth, yet that smiles too,Just as you do.No simpering lips nor looks can breedSuch smiles as from your face proceed:The sun must lend his golden beams,Soft winds their breath, green trees their shade,Sweet fields their flowers, clear springs their streams,Ere such another smile be made:But these concurring, we may say"So smiles the spring and so smiles lovely May."Au. Townsend.[78]
YOUR smiles are not, as other women's be,Only the drawing of the mouth awry;For breasts and cheeks and forehead we may see,Parts wanting motion, all stand smiling by:Heaven hath no mouth, and yet is said to smileAfter your style:No more hath earth, yet that smiles too,Just as you do.
No simpering lips nor looks can breedSuch smiles as from your face proceed:The sun must lend his golden beams,Soft winds their breath, green trees their shade,Sweet fields their flowers, clear springs their streams,Ere such another smile be made:But these concurring, we may say"So smiles the spring and so smiles lovely May."Au. Townsend.[78]
Au. Townsend.[78]
FromHarl. MS.6918. fol. 92.Love's Contentment.COME, my Clarinda, we'll consumeOur joys no more at this low rate;More glorious titles let's assumeAnd love according to our state.For if Contentment wears a crownWhich never tyrant could assail,How many monarchs put we downIn our Utopian commonweal?As princes rain down golden showersOn those in whom they take delight,So in this happier court of oursEach is the other's favourite.Our privacies no eye dwells near,But unobserved we embrace;And no sleek courtier's pen is thereTo set down either time or place.No midnight fears disturb our bliss,Unless a golden dream awake us;For care we know not what it is,Unless to please doth careful make us.We fear no enemy's invasion,Our counsel's wise and politic;With timely force, if not persuasion,We cool the homebred schismatic.All discontent thus to remove,What monarch boasts but thou and I?In this content we live and love,And in this love resolve to die:That when, our souls together fled,One urn shall our mix'd dust enshrine,In golden numbers may be read"Here lie Content's late King and Queen."J. Paulin.
FromHarl. MS.6918. fol. 92.
Love's Contentment.
COME, my Clarinda, we'll consumeOur joys no more at this low rate;More glorious titles let's assumeAnd love according to our state.For if Contentment wears a crownWhich never tyrant could assail,How many monarchs put we downIn our Utopian commonweal?As princes rain down golden showersOn those in whom they take delight,So in this happier court of oursEach is the other's favourite.Our privacies no eye dwells near,But unobserved we embrace;And no sleek courtier's pen is thereTo set down either time or place.No midnight fears disturb our bliss,Unless a golden dream awake us;For care we know not what it is,Unless to please doth careful make us.We fear no enemy's invasion,Our counsel's wise and politic;With timely force, if not persuasion,We cool the homebred schismatic.All discontent thus to remove,What monarch boasts but thou and I?In this content we live and love,And in this love resolve to die:That when, our souls together fled,One urn shall our mix'd dust enshrine,In golden numbers may be read"Here lie Content's late King and Queen."J. Paulin.
COME, my Clarinda, we'll consumeOur joys no more at this low rate;More glorious titles let's assumeAnd love according to our state.
For if Contentment wears a crownWhich never tyrant could assail,How many monarchs put we downIn our Utopian commonweal?
As princes rain down golden showersOn those in whom they take delight,So in this happier court of oursEach is the other's favourite.
Our privacies no eye dwells near,But unobserved we embrace;And no sleek courtier's pen is thereTo set down either time or place.
No midnight fears disturb our bliss,Unless a golden dream awake us;For care we know not what it is,Unless to please doth careful make us.
We fear no enemy's invasion,Our counsel's wise and politic;With timely force, if not persuasion,We cool the homebred schismatic.
All discontent thus to remove,What monarch boasts but thou and I?In this content we live and love,And in this love resolve to die:
That when, our souls together fled,One urn shall our mix'd dust enshrine,In golden numbers may be read"Here lie Content's late King and Queen."J. Paulin.
J. Paulin.
L'ENVOI.WITH faith unfeigned and constant heartStill worship at Love's shrine:Love's votaries ne'er feel any smart,Nor at their yoke repine.Your lady kind shall multiplyHer kisses without measure;Your days will slide unclouded by,Your nights be crowned with pleasure.Love one, one only: if you stray,By random fires beguiled,In vain for grace you'll plead and pray,From Love's sweet court exiled.
L'ENVOI.
WITH faith unfeigned and constant heartStill worship at Love's shrine:Love's votaries ne'er feel any smart,Nor at their yoke repine.Your lady kind shall multiplyHer kisses without measure;Your days will slide unclouded by,Your nights be crowned with pleasure.Love one, one only: if you stray,By random fires beguiled,In vain for grace you'll plead and pray,From Love's sweet court exiled.
WITH faith unfeigned and constant heartStill worship at Love's shrine:Love's votaries ne'er feel any smart,Nor at their yoke repine.
Your lady kind shall multiplyHer kisses without measure;Your days will slide unclouded by,Your nights be crowned with pleasure.
Love one, one only: if you stray,By random fires beguiled,In vain for grace you'll plead and pray,From Love's sweet court exiled.
Chiswick PressPRINTED BY CHARLES WHITTINGHAM AND CO.TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE, LONDON, E.C.
FOOTNOTES:[1]Some time ago I was at the pains to transcribe from a unique MS. a long poem of Thomas Nashe. It is smoothly written, but very gross. There must be other poems of Nashe in MS.[2]Also found in Dr. John Wilson'sCheerful Airs, 1660, and other collections.[3]These verses are printed (with some slight alterations) inWit's Interpreter, 1655. For "Kiss Me" (l. 15)Wit's Interpretergives a word to rhyme with "Money" (l. 7).[4]"There was probably a close connection here with the Song on Love, beginning, 'When I do love, I would not wish to speed,' printed inParnassus Biceps, 1656, p. 82, and reprinted by Robert Jamieson, inPopular Ballads, ii. 311."—J. W. Ebsworth.[5]This jocular song must have been written long before the date of publication, for a quotation from it occurs inEastward Ho, 1605. (In Campion and Rosseter'sBook of Airs, 1601, there is a song beginning, "Mistress, since you so much desire"; but Gertrude, inEastward Ho, iii. 2—"But a little higher," &c.—was evidently quoting from the present song).[6]In the 1671 edition ofWit's Interpreterthis poem is headed "Love's Riddle Resolved." It is found in several miscellanies of the time.["Amplified and spun out, it became a ballad printed for the assigns of Thomas Symcocke, inRoxburghe Collection, l. 242, a probably unique exemplar, entitled 'The Maid's Comfort.'"—J. W. Ebsworth.][7]The poem is headed "Cartwright's Song of Dalliance. Never printed before." It was printed in the same year, without the author's name, inParnassus Biceps, where it is headed, "Love's Courtship." Unquestionably the finest of Cartwright's poems.[8]Parnassus Bicepsreads,—"Softer lists are nowhere found,And the strife itself's the prize."[9]Parnassus Biceps,—"Say thou ne'er shalt joy again."[10]This is the reading inParnassus Biceps—Sportive Wit, "restless."[11]Parnassus Biceps, "when we twine."[12]Compare Morley's song, "Thyrsis and Milla," inMore Lyrics, pp. 116-7.[13]Old ed. "brales."[14]Old ed. "Gods."[15]Old ed. "had had hastn'ed."[16]There are some verses in Thomas Flatman'sSongs and Poems, 1674, which suggested, or were suggested by, the present poem. They run thus:—The Slight.I did but crave that I might kiss,If not her lip, at least her hand,The coolest lover's frequent bliss;And rude is she that will withstandThat inoffensive liberty:She (would you think it?) in a fumeTurn'd her about and left the room:"Not she!" she vowed, "not she!""Well, Charissa," then said I,"If it must thus for ever be,I can renounce my slaveryAnd, since you will not, can be free."Many a time she made me die,Yet (would you think it?) I loved the more:But I'll not take 't as heretofore,Not I, I'll vow, not I."The Resolution" is far the better poem.[17]Quite in Mr. Browning's vein this expression, "Put case that."[18]The Windsor Drollery, 1672, has a similar copy of verses:—I'd have you, quoth he?Would you have me? quoth she;O where, sir?In my chamber, quoth he.In your chamber? quoth she;Why there, sir?To kiss you, quoth he.To kiss me? quoth she;O why, sir?'Cause I love it, quoth he.Do you love it? quoth she;So do I, sir.Compare another copy of verses, "O Amis! quoth he. Well, Thomas! quoth she," in theAcademy of Compliments, 1671, p. 270.[19]A delightful rendering of the fourth ode of Anacreon. I have found a MS. copy of it inRawlinson MS. Poet., 214, where it is ascribed (how truly I know not) to "Mr. Tho. Head." It occurs in several later miscellanies; and in the variorum translation of Anacreon published at Oxford in 1683. Here is Stanley's rendering of the same ode: it is good, but far inferior to the version in theDrollery:—On this verdant lotus laid,Underneath the myrtle's shade,Let us drink our sorrows dead,While Love plays the Ganymed.Life like to a wheel runs round,And, ere long, we underground(Ta'en by Death asunder) mustMoulder in forgotten Dust.Why then graves should we bedew,Why the ground with odours strew?Better whilst alive prepareFlowers and unguents for our hair.Come, my fair one, come away;All our cares behind us lay;That these pleasures we may knowEre we come to those below.[20]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "factious."[21]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "fortune."[22]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "we."[23]"This poem was written by James Howell. It is printed among his Poems, 1664, p. 68. Also in Poems collected by P. F. [= P. Fisher], 1663. See my Note inChoyce Drollery, reprint, 1876, p. 298."—J. W. Ebsworth.[24]Old ed. "My thought." The first two stanzas of this poem (which becomes somewhat enigmatical towards the end) are also found inThe Westminster Drollery.[25]Old ed. "pish;" but "push" (required for the rhyme), the reading inThe Westminster Drollery, is an old form of "pish."[26]Rawlinson MS. Poet.211, contains very many, if not all, of the poems in this collection. On the fly-leaf of the MS. is a note, "Charles Williams his booke written with Thomas."[27]Old ed. "into."[28]These dainty verses are by Robert Herrick.[29]These verses are found in many later Miscellanies. [It was variously entitled "The Fearful Lover," "Pinks and Lilies; or, Phillis at a Non-plus." An answer to it begins, "Forbid me not t'enquire, Why you meet me here alone."—J. W. Ebsworth.][30]"This was written by Willm. Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, and sung in his 'Variety' (printed 1649), at the Black Friars Theatre."—J. W. Ebsworth.[31]Qy. "in"?[32]"For why" = because.[33]An old form of "then." I restore it (old ed. reads "then") for the sake of the rhyme.[34]This song was printed from a MS. in the Sloane Collection, by Ritson, inAntient Songs, 1790. It is inEgerton MS.923, fol. 65, andAshmole MS.38, No. 272.["Cf.Oxford Drollery(3 stanzas), ii. 89, 'Nay pish, nay fie! you venter to enter,' which is by Thomas Jordan, or before 1664. There is much closer resemblance (beyond accidental coincidence) to 'Loves Follies,' a four stanza song inMerry Drollery, 1661, 'Nay, out upon this fooling, for shame!'"—J. W. Ebsworth.][35]Affianced.[36]Mr. Ebsworth kindly pointed out to me that this dialogue belongs to Jordan. I had taken it fromWit and Drollery, 1656. The earlier text is more correct. There is an MS. copy of it inHarleian MS.3511 fol. 108.[37]This poem is ascribed by the younger Donne to William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. It was very popular, and is found in many MS. collections. "Go, soul, the body's guest," is ascribed by Donne to Pembroke. People must have been very credulous in the second half of the seventeenth century. (SeeWindsor Drollery, 1672;Add. MS.10309, &c.).[38]There is a printed copy of this poem, widely different from the MS. version, in the second book ofThe Treasury of Music, 1659. After l. 6, the printed copy reads:—"Not lady-proud nor city-coy,But full of freedom, full of joy;Not wise enough to rule a state,Nor so much fool to be laugh'd at;Nor childish young, nor beldam old;Not fiery hot, nor icy cold;Not richly proud, nor basely poor;Not chaste, yet no reputed whore.If such a one I chance to find,I have a mistress to my mind."Compare the song in Ben Jonson'sPoetaster, ii. 1—"If I freely may discoverWhat would please me in my lover," &c.which probably suggested the present poem.[39]This poem is also found inThe Academy of Complimentsand other collections.[40]Old ed. "And."[41]Old ed. "from."[42]Motto.[43]Sighed.[44]Also inWit's Recreations(with slightly altered text).[45]Old form of "guest."[46]There is an inferior version of this poem inWit's Interpreter.[47]This is the heading in the MS. Archdeacon Hannah, in his valuable edition of Raleigh's poems, makes no mention of this MS. poem. The last stanza, with a couple of lines tacked on, was printed in Raleigh'sRemains, where it is stated to have been "found in his bible in the Gatehouse at Westminster." The whole poem is very much in Raleigh's manner; and I congratulate myself upon its discovery.[48]MS. "discovers."[49]This line is omitted in the MS.[50]Both the MS. and printed copy read "pleasures."[51]I have at present no information about "W. Munsey," whose name is attached to this (not very valuable) poem in the MS. In Rawlinson MS. 117, fol. 151, a copy of "I saw fair Chloris walk alone" (which has been attributed, without evidence, by some to Carew, and by others to Herrick) is subscribed "Munsey." The well-known poem, "In the nonage of a winter's day," usually ascribed to Carew, is signed inRawlinson MS. Poet., 210, "W. Munsey."[52]Immediately, without delay.[53]MS. "ornaments."[54]MS. "vppon downe."[55]MS. "beds."[56]Old form ofaprons.[57]Attributed to Thomas Carew.[58]Old ed. "beauties."[59]There is a somewhat similar copy of verses inChoice Drollery, 1656:—"If at this time I am derided,And you please to laugh at me,Know I am not unprovidedEvery way to answer thee,Love or hate, Whate'er it be," &c.[60]Old ed. "by."[61]Mr. Ebsworth reminds me that this is Theocles' song, by Sir William Davenant, sung in Act iii. of "The Rivals," 1668.[62]Old ed. "they."[63]This poem is by Thomas Flatman, and is printed among hisSongs and Poems, 1669.["Also inWestminster Drollery,Windsor Drollery, andPills to P. Mel., iii. 153. The music to it was composed by Roger Hill."—J. W. Ebsworth.][64]"Coth" = quoth.[65]"This was written by Henry Bold; it is in hisPoems Lyrique, 1664, p. 6."—J. W. Ebsworth.(I suspect Bold stole it: he was a notorious pilferer.)[66]D'Urfey printed these verses in hisPills to Purge Melancholy, 1700, ii. 93, as "The Silly Maids."[67]This poem is ascribed by Lawes to Henry Harrington, son to Sir Henry Harrington. It is found among theFancies and Fantasticksappended toWit's Recreations.["It has also been accredited to Dr. Henry Hughes; the initials suggest the ambiguity. It is also in Playford'sSelect Ayres, 1659, p. 26."—J. W. Ebsworth.][68]Old ed. "leasure."[69]I ought perhaps to omit this poem, for it is fairly well known. The writer was George Wither, in whoseFair Virtue, 1622, it first appeared. There are other versions in theMarrow of Compliments, 1655, and similar collections.[70]This song is by Tom D'Urfey, and is printed in the first volume of hisPills to Purge Melancholy. InComes Amoristhe reading is "Aminta."[71]"With music by Pelham Humphrey, in Playford'sChoice Ayres, i. 34. Twice given inWindsor Drollery. Believed to be by Charles, Earl of Dorset."—J. W. Ebsworth.[72]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Right Honourable Lady Aston(p. 136).[73]Old ed. "enough."[74]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Honourable Herbert Aston(pp. 307, 308).[75]"This was a song of 1683, set to music by Captain Pack, and not improbably to his own words. It was printed in 1684 in Playford'sChoice Ayres, v. 14, and parodies soon followed. Cf.Roxburghe Ballads, iv. 350."—J. W. Ebsworth.[76]"This appeared twenty-four years earlier, being by Robert Baron, among hisPoems, 1650, p. 65."—J. W. Ebsworth.[77]Dr. Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, a prelate of rare virtue and high ability. This is the best of his poems.[78]The author of a couple of masques. He was a friend of Carew; and is introduced into Suckling'sSession of the Poets.
[1]Some time ago I was at the pains to transcribe from a unique MS. a long poem of Thomas Nashe. It is smoothly written, but very gross. There must be other poems of Nashe in MS.[2]Also found in Dr. John Wilson'sCheerful Airs, 1660, and other collections.[3]These verses are printed (with some slight alterations) inWit's Interpreter, 1655. For "Kiss Me" (l. 15)Wit's Interpretergives a word to rhyme with "Money" (l. 7).[4]"There was probably a close connection here with the Song on Love, beginning, 'When I do love, I would not wish to speed,' printed inParnassus Biceps, 1656, p. 82, and reprinted by Robert Jamieson, inPopular Ballads, ii. 311."—J. W. Ebsworth.[5]This jocular song must have been written long before the date of publication, for a quotation from it occurs inEastward Ho, 1605. (In Campion and Rosseter'sBook of Airs, 1601, there is a song beginning, "Mistress, since you so much desire"; but Gertrude, inEastward Ho, iii. 2—"But a little higher," &c.—was evidently quoting from the present song).[6]In the 1671 edition ofWit's Interpreterthis poem is headed "Love's Riddle Resolved." It is found in several miscellanies of the time.["Amplified and spun out, it became a ballad printed for the assigns of Thomas Symcocke, inRoxburghe Collection, l. 242, a probably unique exemplar, entitled 'The Maid's Comfort.'"—J. W. Ebsworth.][7]The poem is headed "Cartwright's Song of Dalliance. Never printed before." It was printed in the same year, without the author's name, inParnassus Biceps, where it is headed, "Love's Courtship." Unquestionably the finest of Cartwright's poems.[8]Parnassus Bicepsreads,—"Softer lists are nowhere found,And the strife itself's the prize."[9]Parnassus Biceps,—"Say thou ne'er shalt joy again."[10]This is the reading inParnassus Biceps—Sportive Wit, "restless."[11]Parnassus Biceps, "when we twine."[12]Compare Morley's song, "Thyrsis and Milla," inMore Lyrics, pp. 116-7.[13]Old ed. "brales."[14]Old ed. "Gods."[15]Old ed. "had had hastn'ed."[16]There are some verses in Thomas Flatman'sSongs and Poems, 1674, which suggested, or were suggested by, the present poem. They run thus:—The Slight.I did but crave that I might kiss,If not her lip, at least her hand,The coolest lover's frequent bliss;And rude is she that will withstandThat inoffensive liberty:She (would you think it?) in a fumeTurn'd her about and left the room:"Not she!" she vowed, "not she!""Well, Charissa," then said I,"If it must thus for ever be,I can renounce my slaveryAnd, since you will not, can be free."Many a time she made me die,Yet (would you think it?) I loved the more:But I'll not take 't as heretofore,Not I, I'll vow, not I."The Resolution" is far the better poem.[17]Quite in Mr. Browning's vein this expression, "Put case that."[18]The Windsor Drollery, 1672, has a similar copy of verses:—I'd have you, quoth he?Would you have me? quoth she;O where, sir?In my chamber, quoth he.In your chamber? quoth she;Why there, sir?To kiss you, quoth he.To kiss me? quoth she;O why, sir?'Cause I love it, quoth he.Do you love it? quoth she;So do I, sir.Compare another copy of verses, "O Amis! quoth he. Well, Thomas! quoth she," in theAcademy of Compliments, 1671, p. 270.[19]A delightful rendering of the fourth ode of Anacreon. I have found a MS. copy of it inRawlinson MS. Poet., 214, where it is ascribed (how truly I know not) to "Mr. Tho. Head." It occurs in several later miscellanies; and in the variorum translation of Anacreon published at Oxford in 1683. Here is Stanley's rendering of the same ode: it is good, but far inferior to the version in theDrollery:—On this verdant lotus laid,Underneath the myrtle's shade,Let us drink our sorrows dead,While Love plays the Ganymed.Life like to a wheel runs round,And, ere long, we underground(Ta'en by Death asunder) mustMoulder in forgotten Dust.Why then graves should we bedew,Why the ground with odours strew?Better whilst alive prepareFlowers and unguents for our hair.Come, my fair one, come away;All our cares behind us lay;That these pleasures we may knowEre we come to those below.[20]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "factious."[21]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "fortune."[22]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "we."[23]"This poem was written by James Howell. It is printed among his Poems, 1664, p. 68. Also in Poems collected by P. F. [= P. Fisher], 1663. See my Note inChoyce Drollery, reprint, 1876, p. 298."—J. W. Ebsworth.[24]Old ed. "My thought." The first two stanzas of this poem (which becomes somewhat enigmatical towards the end) are also found inThe Westminster Drollery.[25]Old ed. "pish;" but "push" (required for the rhyme), the reading inThe Westminster Drollery, is an old form of "pish."[26]Rawlinson MS. Poet.211, contains very many, if not all, of the poems in this collection. On the fly-leaf of the MS. is a note, "Charles Williams his booke written with Thomas."[27]Old ed. "into."[28]These dainty verses are by Robert Herrick.[29]These verses are found in many later Miscellanies. [It was variously entitled "The Fearful Lover," "Pinks and Lilies; or, Phillis at a Non-plus." An answer to it begins, "Forbid me not t'enquire, Why you meet me here alone."—J. W. Ebsworth.][30]"This was written by Willm. Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, and sung in his 'Variety' (printed 1649), at the Black Friars Theatre."—J. W. Ebsworth.[31]Qy. "in"?[32]"For why" = because.[33]An old form of "then." I restore it (old ed. reads "then") for the sake of the rhyme.[34]This song was printed from a MS. in the Sloane Collection, by Ritson, inAntient Songs, 1790. It is inEgerton MS.923, fol. 65, andAshmole MS.38, No. 272.["Cf.Oxford Drollery(3 stanzas), ii. 89, 'Nay pish, nay fie! you venter to enter,' which is by Thomas Jordan, or before 1664. There is much closer resemblance (beyond accidental coincidence) to 'Loves Follies,' a four stanza song inMerry Drollery, 1661, 'Nay, out upon this fooling, for shame!'"—J. W. Ebsworth.][35]Affianced.[36]Mr. Ebsworth kindly pointed out to me that this dialogue belongs to Jordan. I had taken it fromWit and Drollery, 1656. The earlier text is more correct. There is an MS. copy of it inHarleian MS.3511 fol. 108.[37]This poem is ascribed by the younger Donne to William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. It was very popular, and is found in many MS. collections. "Go, soul, the body's guest," is ascribed by Donne to Pembroke. People must have been very credulous in the second half of the seventeenth century. (SeeWindsor Drollery, 1672;Add. MS.10309, &c.).[38]There is a printed copy of this poem, widely different from the MS. version, in the second book ofThe Treasury of Music, 1659. After l. 6, the printed copy reads:—"Not lady-proud nor city-coy,But full of freedom, full of joy;Not wise enough to rule a state,Nor so much fool to be laugh'd at;Nor childish young, nor beldam old;Not fiery hot, nor icy cold;Not richly proud, nor basely poor;Not chaste, yet no reputed whore.If such a one I chance to find,I have a mistress to my mind."Compare the song in Ben Jonson'sPoetaster, ii. 1—"If I freely may discoverWhat would please me in my lover," &c.which probably suggested the present poem.[39]This poem is also found inThe Academy of Complimentsand other collections.[40]Old ed. "And."[41]Old ed. "from."[42]Motto.[43]Sighed.[44]Also inWit's Recreations(with slightly altered text).[45]Old form of "guest."[46]There is an inferior version of this poem inWit's Interpreter.[47]This is the heading in the MS. Archdeacon Hannah, in his valuable edition of Raleigh's poems, makes no mention of this MS. poem. The last stanza, with a couple of lines tacked on, was printed in Raleigh'sRemains, where it is stated to have been "found in his bible in the Gatehouse at Westminster." The whole poem is very much in Raleigh's manner; and I congratulate myself upon its discovery.[48]MS. "discovers."[49]This line is omitted in the MS.[50]Both the MS. and printed copy read "pleasures."[51]I have at present no information about "W. Munsey," whose name is attached to this (not very valuable) poem in the MS. In Rawlinson MS. 117, fol. 151, a copy of "I saw fair Chloris walk alone" (which has been attributed, without evidence, by some to Carew, and by others to Herrick) is subscribed "Munsey." The well-known poem, "In the nonage of a winter's day," usually ascribed to Carew, is signed inRawlinson MS. Poet., 210, "W. Munsey."[52]Immediately, without delay.[53]MS. "ornaments."[54]MS. "vppon downe."[55]MS. "beds."[56]Old form ofaprons.[57]Attributed to Thomas Carew.[58]Old ed. "beauties."[59]There is a somewhat similar copy of verses inChoice Drollery, 1656:—"If at this time I am derided,And you please to laugh at me,Know I am not unprovidedEvery way to answer thee,Love or hate, Whate'er it be," &c.[60]Old ed. "by."[61]Mr. Ebsworth reminds me that this is Theocles' song, by Sir William Davenant, sung in Act iii. of "The Rivals," 1668.[62]Old ed. "they."[63]This poem is by Thomas Flatman, and is printed among hisSongs and Poems, 1669.["Also inWestminster Drollery,Windsor Drollery, andPills to P. Mel., iii. 153. The music to it was composed by Roger Hill."—J. W. Ebsworth.][64]"Coth" = quoth.[65]"This was written by Henry Bold; it is in hisPoems Lyrique, 1664, p. 6."—J. W. Ebsworth.(I suspect Bold stole it: he was a notorious pilferer.)[66]D'Urfey printed these verses in hisPills to Purge Melancholy, 1700, ii. 93, as "The Silly Maids."[67]This poem is ascribed by Lawes to Henry Harrington, son to Sir Henry Harrington. It is found among theFancies and Fantasticksappended toWit's Recreations.["It has also been accredited to Dr. Henry Hughes; the initials suggest the ambiguity. It is also in Playford'sSelect Ayres, 1659, p. 26."—J. W. Ebsworth.][68]Old ed. "leasure."[69]I ought perhaps to omit this poem, for it is fairly well known. The writer was George Wither, in whoseFair Virtue, 1622, it first appeared. There are other versions in theMarrow of Compliments, 1655, and similar collections.[70]This song is by Tom D'Urfey, and is printed in the first volume of hisPills to Purge Melancholy. InComes Amoristhe reading is "Aminta."[71]"With music by Pelham Humphrey, in Playford'sChoice Ayres, i. 34. Twice given inWindsor Drollery. Believed to be by Charles, Earl of Dorset."—J. W. Ebsworth.[72]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Right Honourable Lady Aston(p. 136).[73]Old ed. "enough."[74]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Honourable Herbert Aston(pp. 307, 308).[75]"This was a song of 1683, set to music by Captain Pack, and not improbably to his own words. It was printed in 1684 in Playford'sChoice Ayres, v. 14, and parodies soon followed. Cf.Roxburghe Ballads, iv. 350."—J. W. Ebsworth.[76]"This appeared twenty-four years earlier, being by Robert Baron, among hisPoems, 1650, p. 65."—J. W. Ebsworth.[77]Dr. Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, a prelate of rare virtue and high ability. This is the best of his poems.[78]The author of a couple of masques. He was a friend of Carew; and is introduced into Suckling'sSession of the Poets.
[1]Some time ago I was at the pains to transcribe from a unique MS. a long poem of Thomas Nashe. It is smoothly written, but very gross. There must be other poems of Nashe in MS.
[2]Also found in Dr. John Wilson'sCheerful Airs, 1660, and other collections.
[3]These verses are printed (with some slight alterations) inWit's Interpreter, 1655. For "Kiss Me" (l. 15)Wit's Interpretergives a word to rhyme with "Money" (l. 7).
[4]"There was probably a close connection here with the Song on Love, beginning, 'When I do love, I would not wish to speed,' printed inParnassus Biceps, 1656, p. 82, and reprinted by Robert Jamieson, inPopular Ballads, ii. 311."—J. W. Ebsworth.
[5]This jocular song must have been written long before the date of publication, for a quotation from it occurs inEastward Ho, 1605. (In Campion and Rosseter'sBook of Airs, 1601, there is a song beginning, "Mistress, since you so much desire"; but Gertrude, inEastward Ho, iii. 2—"But a little higher," &c.—was evidently quoting from the present song).
[6]In the 1671 edition ofWit's Interpreterthis poem is headed "Love's Riddle Resolved." It is found in several miscellanies of the time.
["Amplified and spun out, it became a ballad printed for the assigns of Thomas Symcocke, inRoxburghe Collection, l. 242, a probably unique exemplar, entitled 'The Maid's Comfort.'"—J. W. Ebsworth.]
[7]The poem is headed "Cartwright's Song of Dalliance. Never printed before." It was printed in the same year, without the author's name, inParnassus Biceps, where it is headed, "Love's Courtship." Unquestionably the finest of Cartwright's poems.
[8]Parnassus Bicepsreads,—
"Softer lists are nowhere found,And the strife itself's the prize."
"Softer lists are nowhere found,And the strife itself's the prize."
[9]Parnassus Biceps,—
"Say thou ne'er shalt joy again."
"Say thou ne'er shalt joy again."
[10]This is the reading inParnassus Biceps—Sportive Wit, "restless."
[11]Parnassus Biceps, "when we twine."
[12]Compare Morley's song, "Thyrsis and Milla," inMore Lyrics, pp. 116-7.
[13]Old ed. "brales."
[14]Old ed. "Gods."
[15]Old ed. "had had hastn'ed."
[16]There are some verses in Thomas Flatman'sSongs and Poems, 1674, which suggested, or were suggested by, the present poem. They run thus:—
The Slight.I did but crave that I might kiss,If not her lip, at least her hand,The coolest lover's frequent bliss;And rude is she that will withstandThat inoffensive liberty:She (would you think it?) in a fumeTurn'd her about and left the room:"Not she!" she vowed, "not she!""Well, Charissa," then said I,"If it must thus for ever be,I can renounce my slaveryAnd, since you will not, can be free."Many a time she made me die,Yet (would you think it?) I loved the more:But I'll not take 't as heretofore,Not I, I'll vow, not I."The Resolution" is far the better poem.[17]Quite in Mr. Browning's vein this expression, "Put case that."[18]The Windsor Drollery, 1672, has a similar copy of verses:—I'd have you, quoth he?Would you have me? quoth she;O where, sir?In my chamber, quoth he.In your chamber? quoth she;Why there, sir?To kiss you, quoth he.To kiss me? quoth she;O why, sir?'Cause I love it, quoth he.Do you love it? quoth she;So do I, sir.Compare another copy of verses, "O Amis! quoth he. Well, Thomas! quoth she," in theAcademy of Compliments, 1671, p. 270.[19]A delightful rendering of the fourth ode of Anacreon. I have found a MS. copy of it inRawlinson MS. Poet., 214, where it is ascribed (how truly I know not) to "Mr. Tho. Head." It occurs in several later miscellanies; and in the variorum translation of Anacreon published at Oxford in 1683. Here is Stanley's rendering of the same ode: it is good, but far inferior to the version in theDrollery:—On this verdant lotus laid,Underneath the myrtle's shade,Let us drink our sorrows dead,While Love plays the Ganymed.Life like to a wheel runs round,And, ere long, we underground(Ta'en by Death asunder) mustMoulder in forgotten Dust.Why then graves should we bedew,Why the ground with odours strew?Better whilst alive prepareFlowers and unguents for our hair.Come, my fair one, come away;All our cares behind us lay;That these pleasures we may knowEre we come to those below.[20]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "factious."[21]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "fortune."[22]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "we."[23]"This poem was written by James Howell. It is printed among his Poems, 1664, p. 68. Also in Poems collected by P. F. [= P. Fisher], 1663. See my Note inChoyce Drollery, reprint, 1876, p. 298."—J. W. Ebsworth.[24]Old ed. "My thought." The first two stanzas of this poem (which becomes somewhat enigmatical towards the end) are also found inThe Westminster Drollery.[25]Old ed. "pish;" but "push" (required for the rhyme), the reading inThe Westminster Drollery, is an old form of "pish."[26]Rawlinson MS. Poet.211, contains very many, if not all, of the poems in this collection. On the fly-leaf of the MS. is a note, "Charles Williams his booke written with Thomas."[27]Old ed. "into."[28]These dainty verses are by Robert Herrick.[29]These verses are found in many later Miscellanies. [It was variously entitled "The Fearful Lover," "Pinks and Lilies; or, Phillis at a Non-plus." An answer to it begins, "Forbid me not t'enquire, Why you meet me here alone."—J. W. Ebsworth.][30]"This was written by Willm. Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, and sung in his 'Variety' (printed 1649), at the Black Friars Theatre."—J. W. Ebsworth.[31]Qy. "in"?[32]"For why" = because.[33]An old form of "then." I restore it (old ed. reads "then") for the sake of the rhyme.[34]This song was printed from a MS. in the Sloane Collection, by Ritson, inAntient Songs, 1790. It is inEgerton MS.923, fol. 65, andAshmole MS.38, No. 272.["Cf.Oxford Drollery(3 stanzas), ii. 89, 'Nay pish, nay fie! you venter to enter,' which is by Thomas Jordan, or before 1664. There is much closer resemblance (beyond accidental coincidence) to 'Loves Follies,' a four stanza song inMerry Drollery, 1661, 'Nay, out upon this fooling, for shame!'"—J. W. Ebsworth.][35]Affianced.[36]Mr. Ebsworth kindly pointed out to me that this dialogue belongs to Jordan. I had taken it fromWit and Drollery, 1656. The earlier text is more correct. There is an MS. copy of it inHarleian MS.3511 fol. 108.[37]This poem is ascribed by the younger Donne to William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. It was very popular, and is found in many MS. collections. "Go, soul, the body's guest," is ascribed by Donne to Pembroke. People must have been very credulous in the second half of the seventeenth century. (SeeWindsor Drollery, 1672;Add. MS.10309, &c.).[38]There is a printed copy of this poem, widely different from the MS. version, in the second book ofThe Treasury of Music, 1659. After l. 6, the printed copy reads:—"Not lady-proud nor city-coy,But full of freedom, full of joy;Not wise enough to rule a state,Nor so much fool to be laugh'd at;Nor childish young, nor beldam old;Not fiery hot, nor icy cold;Not richly proud, nor basely poor;Not chaste, yet no reputed whore.If such a one I chance to find,I have a mistress to my mind."Compare the song in Ben Jonson'sPoetaster, ii. 1—"If I freely may discoverWhat would please me in my lover," &c.which probably suggested the present poem.[39]This poem is also found inThe Academy of Complimentsand other collections.[40]Old ed. "And."[41]Old ed. "from."[42]Motto.[43]Sighed.[44]Also inWit's Recreations(with slightly altered text).[45]Old form of "guest."[46]There is an inferior version of this poem inWit's Interpreter.[47]This is the heading in the MS. Archdeacon Hannah, in his valuable edition of Raleigh's poems, makes no mention of this MS. poem. The last stanza, with a couple of lines tacked on, was printed in Raleigh'sRemains, where it is stated to have been "found in his bible in the Gatehouse at Westminster." The whole poem is very much in Raleigh's manner; and I congratulate myself upon its discovery.[48]MS. "discovers."[49]This line is omitted in the MS.[50]Both the MS. and printed copy read "pleasures."[51]I have at present no information about "W. Munsey," whose name is attached to this (not very valuable) poem in the MS. In Rawlinson MS. 117, fol. 151, a copy of "I saw fair Chloris walk alone" (which has been attributed, without evidence, by some to Carew, and by others to Herrick) is subscribed "Munsey." The well-known poem, "In the nonage of a winter's day," usually ascribed to Carew, is signed inRawlinson MS. Poet., 210, "W. Munsey."[52]Immediately, without delay.[53]MS. "ornaments."[54]MS. "vppon downe."[55]MS. "beds."[56]Old form ofaprons.[57]Attributed to Thomas Carew.[58]Old ed. "beauties."[59]There is a somewhat similar copy of verses inChoice Drollery, 1656:—"If at this time I am derided,And you please to laugh at me,Know I am not unprovidedEvery way to answer thee,Love or hate, Whate'er it be," &c.[60]Old ed. "by."[61]Mr. Ebsworth reminds me that this is Theocles' song, by Sir William Davenant, sung in Act iii. of "The Rivals," 1668.[62]Old ed. "they."[63]This poem is by Thomas Flatman, and is printed among hisSongs and Poems, 1669.["Also inWestminster Drollery,Windsor Drollery, andPills to P. Mel., iii. 153. The music to it was composed by Roger Hill."—J. W. Ebsworth.][64]"Coth" = quoth.[65]"This was written by Henry Bold; it is in hisPoems Lyrique, 1664, p. 6."—J. W. Ebsworth.(I suspect Bold stole it: he was a notorious pilferer.)[66]D'Urfey printed these verses in hisPills to Purge Melancholy, 1700, ii. 93, as "The Silly Maids."[67]This poem is ascribed by Lawes to Henry Harrington, son to Sir Henry Harrington. It is found among theFancies and Fantasticksappended toWit's Recreations.["It has also been accredited to Dr. Henry Hughes; the initials suggest the ambiguity. It is also in Playford'sSelect Ayres, 1659, p. 26."—J. W. Ebsworth.][68]Old ed. "leasure."[69]I ought perhaps to omit this poem, for it is fairly well known. The writer was George Wither, in whoseFair Virtue, 1622, it first appeared. There are other versions in theMarrow of Compliments, 1655, and similar collections.[70]This song is by Tom D'Urfey, and is printed in the first volume of hisPills to Purge Melancholy. InComes Amoristhe reading is "Aminta."[71]"With music by Pelham Humphrey, in Playford'sChoice Ayres, i. 34. Twice given inWindsor Drollery. Believed to be by Charles, Earl of Dorset."—J. W. Ebsworth.[72]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Right Honourable Lady Aston(p. 136).[73]Old ed. "enough."[74]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Honourable Herbert Aston(pp. 307, 308).[75]"This was a song of 1683, set to music by Captain Pack, and not improbably to his own words. It was printed in 1684 in Playford'sChoice Ayres, v. 14, and parodies soon followed. Cf.Roxburghe Ballads, iv. 350."—J. W. Ebsworth.[76]"This appeared twenty-four years earlier, being by Robert Baron, among hisPoems, 1650, p. 65."—J. W. Ebsworth.[77]Dr. Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, a prelate of rare virtue and high ability. This is the best of his poems.[78]The author of a couple of masques. He was a friend of Carew; and is introduced into Suckling'sSession of the Poets.
The Slight.
I did but crave that I might kiss,If not her lip, at least her hand,The coolest lover's frequent bliss;And rude is she that will withstandThat inoffensive liberty:She (would you think it?) in a fumeTurn'd her about and left the room:"Not she!" she vowed, "not she!""Well, Charissa," then said I,"If it must thus for ever be,I can renounce my slaveryAnd, since you will not, can be free."Many a time she made me die,Yet (would you think it?) I loved the more:But I'll not take 't as heretofore,Not I, I'll vow, not I.
I did but crave that I might kiss,If not her lip, at least her hand,The coolest lover's frequent bliss;And rude is she that will withstandThat inoffensive liberty:She (would you think it?) in a fumeTurn'd her about and left the room:"Not she!" she vowed, "not she!""Well, Charissa," then said I,"If it must thus for ever be,I can renounce my slaveryAnd, since you will not, can be free."Many a time she made me die,Yet (would you think it?) I loved the more:But I'll not take 't as heretofore,Not I, I'll vow, not I.
"The Resolution" is far the better poem.
[17]Quite in Mr. Browning's vein this expression, "Put case that."
[18]The Windsor Drollery, 1672, has a similar copy of verses:—
I'd have you, quoth he?Would you have me? quoth she;O where, sir?In my chamber, quoth he.In your chamber? quoth she;Why there, sir?To kiss you, quoth he.To kiss me? quoth she;O why, sir?'Cause I love it, quoth he.Do you love it? quoth she;So do I, sir.
I'd have you, quoth he?Would you have me? quoth she;O where, sir?
In my chamber, quoth he.In your chamber? quoth she;Why there, sir?
To kiss you, quoth he.To kiss me? quoth she;O why, sir?
'Cause I love it, quoth he.Do you love it? quoth she;So do I, sir.
Compare another copy of verses, "O Amis! quoth he. Well, Thomas! quoth she," in theAcademy of Compliments, 1671, p. 270.
[19]A delightful rendering of the fourth ode of Anacreon. I have found a MS. copy of it inRawlinson MS. Poet., 214, where it is ascribed (how truly I know not) to "Mr. Tho. Head." It occurs in several later miscellanies; and in the variorum translation of Anacreon published at Oxford in 1683. Here is Stanley's rendering of the same ode: it is good, but far inferior to the version in theDrollery:—
On this verdant lotus laid,Underneath the myrtle's shade,Let us drink our sorrows dead,While Love plays the Ganymed.Life like to a wheel runs round,And, ere long, we underground(Ta'en by Death asunder) mustMoulder in forgotten Dust.Why then graves should we bedew,Why the ground with odours strew?Better whilst alive prepareFlowers and unguents for our hair.Come, my fair one, come away;All our cares behind us lay;That these pleasures we may knowEre we come to those below.
On this verdant lotus laid,Underneath the myrtle's shade,Let us drink our sorrows dead,While Love plays the Ganymed.Life like to a wheel runs round,And, ere long, we underground(Ta'en by Death asunder) mustMoulder in forgotten Dust.Why then graves should we bedew,Why the ground with odours strew?Better whilst alive prepareFlowers and unguents for our hair.Come, my fair one, come away;All our cares behind us lay;That these pleasures we may knowEre we come to those below.
[20]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "factious."
[21]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "fortune."
[22]So ed. 1671.—Ed. 1655, "we."
[23]"This poem was written by James Howell. It is printed among his Poems, 1664, p. 68. Also in Poems collected by P. F. [= P. Fisher], 1663. See my Note inChoyce Drollery, reprint, 1876, p. 298."—J. W. Ebsworth.
[24]Old ed. "My thought." The first two stanzas of this poem (which becomes somewhat enigmatical towards the end) are also found inThe Westminster Drollery.
[25]Old ed. "pish;" but "push" (required for the rhyme), the reading inThe Westminster Drollery, is an old form of "pish."
[26]Rawlinson MS. Poet.211, contains very many, if not all, of the poems in this collection. On the fly-leaf of the MS. is a note, "Charles Williams his booke written with Thomas."
[27]Old ed. "into."
[28]These dainty verses are by Robert Herrick.
[29]These verses are found in many later Miscellanies. [It was variously entitled "The Fearful Lover," "Pinks and Lilies; or, Phillis at a Non-plus." An answer to it begins, "Forbid me not t'enquire, Why you meet me here alone."—J. W. Ebsworth.]
[30]"This was written by Willm. Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle, and sung in his 'Variety' (printed 1649), at the Black Friars Theatre."—J. W. Ebsworth.
[31]Qy. "in"?
[32]"For why" = because.
[33]An old form of "then." I restore it (old ed. reads "then") for the sake of the rhyme.
[34]This song was printed from a MS. in the Sloane Collection, by Ritson, inAntient Songs, 1790. It is inEgerton MS.923, fol. 65, andAshmole MS.38, No. 272.
["Cf.Oxford Drollery(3 stanzas), ii. 89, 'Nay pish, nay fie! you venter to enter,' which is by Thomas Jordan, or before 1664. There is much closer resemblance (beyond accidental coincidence) to 'Loves Follies,' a four stanza song inMerry Drollery, 1661, 'Nay, out upon this fooling, for shame!'"—J. W. Ebsworth.]
[35]Affianced.
[36]Mr. Ebsworth kindly pointed out to me that this dialogue belongs to Jordan. I had taken it fromWit and Drollery, 1656. The earlier text is more correct. There is an MS. copy of it inHarleian MS.3511 fol. 108.
[37]This poem is ascribed by the younger Donne to William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke. It was very popular, and is found in many MS. collections. "Go, soul, the body's guest," is ascribed by Donne to Pembroke. People must have been very credulous in the second half of the seventeenth century. (SeeWindsor Drollery, 1672;Add. MS.10309, &c.).
[38]There is a printed copy of this poem, widely different from the MS. version, in the second book ofThe Treasury of Music, 1659. After l. 6, the printed copy reads:—
"Not lady-proud nor city-coy,But full of freedom, full of joy;Not wise enough to rule a state,Nor so much fool to be laugh'd at;Nor childish young, nor beldam old;Not fiery hot, nor icy cold;Not richly proud, nor basely poor;Not chaste, yet no reputed whore.If such a one I chance to find,I have a mistress to my mind."
"Not lady-proud nor city-coy,But full of freedom, full of joy;Not wise enough to rule a state,Nor so much fool to be laugh'd at;Nor childish young, nor beldam old;Not fiery hot, nor icy cold;Not richly proud, nor basely poor;Not chaste, yet no reputed whore.If such a one I chance to find,I have a mistress to my mind."
Compare the song in Ben Jonson'sPoetaster, ii. 1—
"If I freely may discoverWhat would please me in my lover," &c.
"If I freely may discoverWhat would please me in my lover," &c.
which probably suggested the present poem.
[39]This poem is also found inThe Academy of Complimentsand other collections.
[40]Old ed. "And."
[41]Old ed. "from."
[42]Motto.
[43]Sighed.
[44]Also inWit's Recreations(with slightly altered text).
[45]Old form of "guest."
[46]There is an inferior version of this poem inWit's Interpreter.
[47]This is the heading in the MS. Archdeacon Hannah, in his valuable edition of Raleigh's poems, makes no mention of this MS. poem. The last stanza, with a couple of lines tacked on, was printed in Raleigh'sRemains, where it is stated to have been "found in his bible in the Gatehouse at Westminster." The whole poem is very much in Raleigh's manner; and I congratulate myself upon its discovery.
[48]MS. "discovers."
[49]This line is omitted in the MS.
[50]Both the MS. and printed copy read "pleasures."
[51]I have at present no information about "W. Munsey," whose name is attached to this (not very valuable) poem in the MS. In Rawlinson MS. 117, fol. 151, a copy of "I saw fair Chloris walk alone" (which has been attributed, without evidence, by some to Carew, and by others to Herrick) is subscribed "Munsey." The well-known poem, "In the nonage of a winter's day," usually ascribed to Carew, is signed inRawlinson MS. Poet., 210, "W. Munsey."
[52]Immediately, without delay.
[53]MS. "ornaments."
[54]MS. "vppon downe."
[55]MS. "beds."
[56]Old form ofaprons.
[57]Attributed to Thomas Carew.
[58]Old ed. "beauties."
[59]There is a somewhat similar copy of verses inChoice Drollery, 1656:—
"If at this time I am derided,And you please to laugh at me,Know I am not unprovidedEvery way to answer thee,Love or hate, Whate'er it be," &c.
"If at this time I am derided,And you please to laugh at me,Know I am not unprovidedEvery way to answer thee,Love or hate, Whate'er it be," &c.
[60]Old ed. "by."
[61]Mr. Ebsworth reminds me that this is Theocles' song, by Sir William Davenant, sung in Act iii. of "The Rivals," 1668.
[62]Old ed. "they."
[63]This poem is by Thomas Flatman, and is printed among hisSongs and Poems, 1669.
["Also inWestminster Drollery,Windsor Drollery, andPills to P. Mel., iii. 153. The music to it was composed by Roger Hill."—J. W. Ebsworth.]
[64]"Coth" = quoth.
[65]"This was written by Henry Bold; it is in hisPoems Lyrique, 1664, p. 6."—J. W. Ebsworth.(I suspect Bold stole it: he was a notorious pilferer.)
[66]D'Urfey printed these verses in hisPills to Purge Melancholy, 1700, ii. 93, as "The Silly Maids."
[67]This poem is ascribed by Lawes to Henry Harrington, son to Sir Henry Harrington. It is found among theFancies and Fantasticksappended toWit's Recreations.
["It has also been accredited to Dr. Henry Hughes; the initials suggest the ambiguity. It is also in Playford'sSelect Ayres, 1659, p. 26."—J. W. Ebsworth.]
[68]Old ed. "leasure."
[69]I ought perhaps to omit this poem, for it is fairly well known. The writer was George Wither, in whoseFair Virtue, 1622, it first appeared. There are other versions in theMarrow of Compliments, 1655, and similar collections.
[70]This song is by Tom D'Urfey, and is printed in the first volume of hisPills to Purge Melancholy. InComes Amoristhe reading is "Aminta."
[71]"With music by Pelham Humphrey, in Playford'sChoice Ayres, i. 34. Twice given inWindsor Drollery. Believed to be by Charles, Earl of Dorset."—J. W. Ebsworth.
[72]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Right Honourable Lady Aston(p. 136).
[73]Old ed. "enough."
[74]From the section containingPoems Collected by the Honourable Herbert Aston(pp. 307, 308).
[75]"This was a song of 1683, set to music by Captain Pack, and not improbably to his own words. It was printed in 1684 in Playford'sChoice Ayres, v. 14, and parodies soon followed. Cf.Roxburghe Ballads, iv. 350."—J. W. Ebsworth.
[76]"This appeared twenty-four years earlier, being by Robert Baron, among hisPoems, 1650, p. 65."—J. W. Ebsworth.
[77]Dr. Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, a prelate of rare virtue and high ability. This is the best of his poems.
[78]The author of a couple of masques. He was a friend of Carew; and is introduced into Suckling'sSession of the Poets.
Transcriber's NotesVariations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been retained except in obvious cases of typographical errors.In "I HAVE followed thee a year at least" (p107) the first line of the last verse ends with "arc". This has been changed to "are".A missing footnote anchor [19] has been added to "UNDERNEATH this myrtle shade" (p 26).
Transcriber's Notes
Variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been retained except in obvious cases of typographical errors.
In "I HAVE followed thee a year at least" (p107) the first line of the last verse ends with "arc". This has been changed to "are".
A missing footnote anchor [19] has been added to "UNDERNEATH this myrtle shade" (p 26).