William Walsh (1663-1708). Phyllis's Resolution. William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. 1910. The Book of Restoration Verse

William Stanley Braithwaite, ed. The Book of Restoration Verse. 1910.

Phyllis’s Resolution

By William Walsh (1663–1708)


WHEN slaves their liberty require,
They hope no more to gain;
But you not only that desire,
But ask the power to reign.

Think how unjust a suit you make,	5
Then you will soon decline;
Your freedom, when you please, pray take,
But trespass not on mine.

No more in vain, Alcander, crave;
I ne’er will grant the thing,	10
That he, who once has been my slave,
Should ever be my king.