Tixall Poetry/What Is Life without Love?

by unknown author

LXIX.

WHAT IS LIFE WITHOUT LOVE?

 

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If languishing eyes without language can move,
I have oft told my Phillis I die for her love;
Ah! pity the passion which words cannot speake,
Could I tell what I thinke my poore heart would not breake.

I plead no desert to the beauty I serve,
But 'tis nobler to give what theres none can deserve;
Mongst the croud of my rivals who sigh and adore,
None merits you lesse, nor can value you more.

To purchase a smile, or a glance from her eyes,
Both my life and my fortune's too little a price;
But if to desert you can only be kind,
Like heaven, you must then to yourselfe be confin'd.

Our joyes are so ordred by nature's great doome,
That what ere we possesse, from another must come;
Then, Phillis, what pleasures with me may you prove,
While what's wanting in worth is supplied by my love.

Our life is uneasy, and sullen our fate,
Every minute is angry, and full of debate:
But kind were the powers, who, our quiet to keepe,
Sent love to relieve us, and lull us asleepe.

In an ocean of cares though against tide we saile,
Yet favring love still supplies a fresh gale:
The passage is pleasant, but ah 'tis too short!
Let us live whilst we may, and indulge the sweet sport.

 

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