| T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22. | | | | Dulcina | | By Sir Walter Raleigh (1554?–1618) |
| | (Attributed; from The Percy Folio Mss.) |
|
AS at noon Dulcina rested | |
| In her sweet and shady bower; | |
| Came a shepherd, and requested | |
| In her lap to sleep an hour. | |
| But from her look | 5 |
| A wound he took | |
| So deep, that for a further boon | |
| The nymph he prays. | |
| Whereto she says, | |
| Forgo me now, come to me soon. | 10 |
| |
| But in vain she did conjure him | |
| To depart her presence so; | |
| Having a thousand tongues to allure him, | |
| And but one to bid him go: | |
| Where lips invite, | 15 |
| And eyes delight, | |
| And cheeks, as fresh as rose in June, | |
| Persuade delay; | |
| What boots, she say, | |
| Forgo me now, come to me soon? | 20 |
| |
| He demands what time for pleasure | |
| Can there be more fit than now: | |
| She says, night gives loves that leisure, | |
| Which the day can not allow. | |
| He says, the sight | 25 |
| Improves delight | |
| Which she denies: Nights mirkie noon | |
| In Venus’ plays | |
| Makes bold, she says; | |
| Forgo me now, come to me soon. | 30 |
| |
| But what promise or profession | |
| From his hands could purchase scope? | |
| Who would sell the sweet possession | |
| Of such beauty for a hope? | |
| Or for the sight | 35 |
| Of lingering night | |
| Forego the present joys of noon? | |
| Though ne’er so fair | |
| Her speeches were, | |
| Forgo me now, come to me soon. | 40 |
| |
| How, at last, agreed these lovers? | |
| She was fair, and he was young: | |
| The tongue may tell what th’ eye discovers; | |
| Joys unseen are never sung. | |
| Did she consent, | 45 |
| Or he relent: | |
| Accepts he night, or grants she noon; | |
| Left he her a maid, | |
| Or not; she said | |
| Forgo me now, come to me soon. | 50 | | |
|
|
|
