TO PHYLLIS.
Reading edition
Phyllis! 'twas love that injured you, And on that rock your Thrysis threw; Who for proud Celia could have died, While you no less accused his pride.
Fond Love his darts at random throws, And nothing springs from what he sows; From foes discharged, as often meet The shining points of arrows fleet, In the wide air creating fire, As souls that join in one desire. 10
Love made the lovely Venus burn In vain, and for the cold youth[1] mourn, Who the pursuit of churlish beasts Preferr'd to sleeping on her breasts.
Love makes so many hearts the prize Of the bright Carlisle's conqu'ring eyes, Which she regards no more than they The tears of lesser beauties weigh. So have I seen the lost clouds pour Into the sea an useless shower; 20 And the vex'd sailors curse the rain For which poor shepherds pray'd in vain.
Then, Phyllis, since our passions are Govern'd by chance, and not the care, But sport of heaven, which takes delight To look upon this Parthian fight Of love, still flying, or in chase, Never encount'ring face to face; No more to Love we'll sacrifice, But to the best of deities; 30 And let our hearts, which Love disjoin'd, By his kind mother be combin'd.
[1] 'Cold youth ': Adonis.