83. To Roses in the Bosom of Castara. William Habington. 1909-14. English Poetry I: From Chaucer to Gray. The Harvard Classics

English Poetry I: From Chaucer to Gray.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

83. To Roses in the Bosom of Castara

William Habington (1605–1654)


YE blushing virgins happy are
In the chaste nunnery of her breasts—
For he’d profane so chaste a fair,
Whoe’er should call them Cupid’s nests.

Transplanted thus how bright ye grow!	5
How rich a perfume do ye yield!
In some close garden cowslips so
Are sweeter than i’ th’ open field.

In those white cloisters live secure
From the rude blasts of wanton breath!—	10
Each hour more innocent and pure,
Till you shall wither into death.

Then that which living gave you room,
Your glorious sepulchre shall be.
There wants no marble for a tomb	15
Whose breast hath marble been to me.