T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
A Well-wishing to a Place of Pleasure
Percy’s Folio Manuscript(Anonymous. c. 1600. Vol. IV. 1867) |
SEE the building | |
| Where, whilst my mistris lived in, | |
| Was pleasure’s essence! | |
| See how it droopeth | |
| And how nakedly it looketh | 5 |
| Without her presence! | |
| Every creature | |
| That appertaines to nature, | |
| ’bout this house living, | |
| Doth resemble, | 10 |
| If not dissemble, | |
| due praises giving. | |
| Harke! how the hollow | |
| Windes do blow | |
| And seem to murmur | 15 |
| in every corner | |
| for her long absence! | |
| The which doth plainly show | |
| The causes why I do now | |
| All this grief and sorrow show. | 20 |
| See the garden | |
| Where I received reward in | |
| for my true love! | |
| Behold those places | |
| Where I received those graces | 25 |
| the Gods might move! | |
| The Queene of plenty, | |
| With all the fruits are dainty | |
| delights to please. | |
| Flora springing | 30 |
| Is ever bringing | |
| Dame Venus ease. | |
| Oh, see the arbour where that she | |
| with melting kisses, | |
| distilling blisses | 35 |
| From her true selfe, | |
| with joy did ravish me! | |
| The pretty nightingale | |
| did sing melodiously. | |
| Haile to those groves | 40 |
| Where I injoyde those loves | |
| so many dayes! | |
| Let the flowers be springing | |
| And sweet birds ever singing | |
| their Roundelayes! | 45 |
| Many Cupid’s measures | |
| And cause for true Love’s pleasures | |
| Be danced around! | |
| Let all contentment | |
| For mirth’s presentment | 50 |
| this day be found! | |
| And may the grass grow ever green | |
| where we two lying | |
| have oft been trying | |
| More several wayes | 55 |
| th[a]n beauties lovely Queen | |
| When she in bed with Mars | |
| by all the Gods was seen! | |