The Works of Abraham Cowley/Volume 2/My Picture
MY PICTURE.
Here, take my likeness with you, whilst 't is so;For, when from hence you go,The next sun's rising will beholdMe pale, and lean, and old:The man who did this picture draw,Will swear next day my face he never saw.
I really believe, within a while,If you upon this shadow smile,Your presence will such vigour give(Your presence, which makes all things live!)And absence so much alter me,This will the substance, I the shadow, be.
When from your well-wrought cabinet you take it,And your bright looks awake it,Ah! be not frighted if you seeThe new-soul'd picture gaze on thee,And hear it breathe a sigh or two;For those are the first things that if will do.
My rival-image will be then thought blest,And laugh at me as dispossest;But thou, who (if I know thee right)I' th' substance dost not much delight,Wilt rather send again for me,Who then shall but my picture's picture be.