AN APOLOGY FOR HAVING LOVED BEFORE.
Reading edition
1 They that never had the use Of the grape's surprising juice, To the first delicious cup All their reason render up; Neither do, nor care to know, Whether it be best or no.
2 So they that are to love inclined, Sway'd by chance, not choice or art, To the first that's fair, or kind, Make a present of their heart; 'Tis not she that first we love, But whom dying we approve.
3 To man, that was in th'ev'ning made, Stars gave the first delight, Admiring, in the gloomy shade, Those little drops of light; Then at Aurora, whose fair hand Removed them from the skies, He gazing t'ward the east did stand, She entertain'd his eyes.
4 But when the bright sun did appear, All those he 'gan despise; His wonder was determined there, And could no higher rise; He neither might, nor wished to know A more refulgent light; For that (as mine your beauties now) Employ'd his utmost sight.