The Hesperides & Noble Numbers Part 82

_Cross_, a coin.

1056. TO HIS PECULIAR FRIEND, M. JO. WICKS.

Since shed or cottage I have none, I sing the more, that thou hast one To whose glad threshold, and free door, I may a poet come, though poor, And eat with thee a savoury bit, Paying but common thanks for it.

Yet should I chance, my Wicks, to see An over-leaven look in thee, To sour the bread, and turn the beer To an exalted vinegar: Or should'st thou prize me as a dish Of thrice-boiled worts, or third-day's fish; I'd rather hungry go and come, Than to thy house be burdensome; Yet, in my depth of grief, I'd be One that should drop his beads for thee.

_Worts_, cabbages.

_Drop his beads_, _i.e._, pray.

1057. THE MORE MIGHTY, THE MORE MERCIFUL.

_Who may do most, does least: the bravest will Show mercy there, where they have power to kill._

1058. AFTER AUTUMN, WINTER.

Die ere long, I'm sure, I shall; After leaves, the tree must fall.

1059. A GOOD DEATH.

For truth I may this sentence tell, _No man dies ill, that liveth well_.

1060. RECOMPENSE.

Who plants an olive, but to eat the oil?

_Reward, we know, is the chief end of toil_.

1061. ON FORTUNE.

This is my comfort when she's most unkind: She can but spoil me of my means, not mind.

1062. TO SIR GEORGE PARRY, DOCTOR OF THE CIVIL LAW.

I have my laurel chaplet on my head If, 'mongst these many numbers to be read, But one by you be hugg'd and cherished.

Peruse my measures thoroughly, and where Your judgment finds a guilty poem, there Be you a judge; but not a judge severe.

The mean pa.s.s by, or over, none contemn; The good applaud; the peccant less condemn, Since absolution you can give to them.

Stand forth, brave man, here to the public sight; And in my book now claim a twofold right: The first as doctor, and the last as knight.

1063. CHARMS.

This I'll tell ye by the way: Maidens, when ye leavens lay, Cross your dough, and your dispatch Will be better for your batch.

1064. ANOTHER.

In the morning when ye rise, Wash your hands and cleanse your eyes.

Next be sure ye have a care To disperse the water far; For as far as that doth light, So far keeps the evil sprite.

1065. ANOTHER.

If ye fear to be affrighted When ye are by chance benighted, In your pocket for a trust Carry nothing but a crust: For that holy piece of bread Charms the danger and the dread.

1067. GENTLENESS.

_That prince must govern with a gentle hand Who will have love comply with his command._

1068. A DIALOGUE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND MISTRESS ELIZA WHEELER, UNDER THE NAME OF AMARYLLIS.

_Her._ My dearest love, since thou wilt go, And leave me here behind thee, For love or pity let me know The place where I may find thee.

_Ama._ In country meadows pearl'd with dew, And set about with lilies, There, filling maunds with cowslips, you May find your Amaryllis.

_Her._ What have the meads to do with thee, Or with thy youthful hours?

Live thou at Court, where thou mayst be The queen of men, not flowers.

Let country wenches make 'em fine With posies, since 'tis fitter For thee with richest gems to s.h.i.+ne, And like the stars to glitter.

_Ama._ You set too high a rate upon A shepherdess so homely.

_Her._ Believe it, dearest, there's not one I' th' Court that's half so comely.

I prithee stay. _Ama._ I must away; Let's kiss first, then we'll sever.

_Ambo._ And though we bid adieu to-day, We shall not part for ever.

_Maunds_, baskets.

1069. TO JULIA.

Help me, Julia, for to pray, Matins sing, or matins say: This, I know, the fiend will fly Far away, if thou be'st by.

Bring the holy water hither, Let us wash and pray together; When our beads are thus united, Then the foe will fly affrighted.

_Beads_, prayers.

1070. TO ROSES IN JULIA'S BOSOM.