Page:Tixall Poetry.djvu/391

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Notes.
337
And, whilst she heard my plaint in piteous song,
She wisht my heart the sampler that it lay."

P. 21. This, and the two following poems, (in which an ingenious attempt is made to draw a comparison between the different beauties of the different features of the face) appear to me to be quite original, both in their design and execution. In the Works of Carew, (Anderson's Edit, of the Brit. Poets, vol. iii. p. 676) are the following pretty verses, entitled

Lips and Eyes.

In Cælia's face a question did arise,
Which were more beautiful, her lips or eyes:
We, (said the eyes,) send forth those pointed darts
Which pierce the hardest adamantine hearts.
From us, (replied the lips,) proceed those blisses
Which lovers reap, by kind words and sweet kisses.
Then wept the eyes, and from their springs did pour
Of liquid oriental pearl a shower:
Whereat the lips, moved with delight and pleasure,
Through a sweet smile unlocked their pearly treasure,
And bade Love judge, whether did add more grace,
Weeping or smiling pearls in Cælia's face.

P. 22. l. 21.The foreheads bloome no season culls,
But keepes its forme in buried sculls.

This is true: a cranium may be preserved for ages; and, besides its use in the study of anatomy, both human and comparative, it is capable of affording to a Lavater, or a Gall, a subject of sublime meditation, and of the most profound philosophical discussion. What use Shakspeare has made of a scull in the Gravedigger's scene in Hamlet!

P. 24.So while thefickle lover seekes
Two pitfalls in two dimpled cheekes,