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Thomas Stanley: His Original Lyrics, Complete, In Their Collated Readings of 1647, 1651, 1657.: With an Introduction, Textual Notes, a List of Editions, an Appendix of Translations, and a Portrait.Stanley, Thomas

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Thomas Stanley: His Original Lyrics, Complete, In Their Collated Readings of 1647, 1651, 1657.: With an Introduction, Textual Notes, a List of Editions, an Appendix of Translations, and a Portrait.

Name: Thomas Stanley: His Original Lyrics, Complete, In Their Collated Readings of 1647, 1651, 1657.: With an Introduction, Textual Notes, a List of Editions, an Appendix of Translations, and a Portrait.
Author: Stanley, Thomas

Stanley, Thomas

English poetry -- Early modern, 1500-1700; Stanley, Thomas, 1625-1678

Though 'gainst me Love and Destiny conspire,
    Though I must waste in an unpitied fire,
    By the same deity, severe as fair,
    Commanded adoration and despair;
    Though I am mark'd for sacrifice, to tell                          5
    The growing age what dangerous glories dwell
    In this bright dawn, who, when she spreads her rays,
    Will challenge every heart, and every praise;
    Yet she who to all hope forbids my claim,
    By Fortune's taught indulgence to my flame,                       10
    Great Queen of Chance! unjustly we exclude
    Thy power an interest in beatitude,
    Who with mysterious judgement dost dispense
    The bounties of unerring Providence;
    Whilst we, to whom the causes are unknown,                        15
    Would style that blindness thine, which is our own.
    As kind, in justice to thyself, as me,
    Thou hast redeem'd thy name and votary:
    Nor will I prize this less for being thine,
    Nor longer at my destiny repine.                                  20
    Counsel and choice are things below thy state:
    Fortune relieves the cruelties of Fate.




III. LYRICS PRINTED ONLY IN THE EDITION OF 1657 [JOHN GAMBLE'S _AYRES
AND DIALOGUES_] HAVING NO TITLES.


          ON THIS SWELLING BANK.

    On this swelling bank, once proud
      Of its burden, Doris lay:
    Here she smil'd, and did uncloud
      Those bright suns eclipse the day;
    Here we sat, and with kind art                                     5
      She about me twin'd her arms,
    Clasp'd in hers my hand and heart,
      Fetter'd in those pleasing charms.

    Here my love and joys she crown'd,
      Whilst the hours stood still before me,                         10
    With a killing glance did wound,
      And a melting kiss restore me.
    On the down of either breast,
      Whilst with joy my soul retir'd,
    My reclining head did rest,                                       15
      Till her lips new life inspir'd.

    Thus, renewing of these sights
      Doth with grief and pleasure fill me,
    And the thought of these delights
      Both at once revive and kill me!                                20


          DEAR, FOLD ME ONCE MORE.

    Dear, fold me once more in thine arms!
      And let me know
      Before I go
    There is no bliss but in those charms.
      By thy fair self I swear                                         5
      That here, and only here,
    I would for ever, ever stay:
    But cruel Fate calls me away.

    How swiftly the light minutes slide!
      The hours that haste                                            10
      Away thus fast
    By envious flight my stay do chide.
      Yet, Dear, since I must go,
      By this last kiss I vow,
    By all that sweetness which dwells with thee,[3:1]                15
    Time shall move slow, till next I see thee.


          THE LAZY HOURS.

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Thomas Stanley: His Original Lyrics, Complete, In Their Collated Readings of 1647, 1651, 1657.: With an Introduction, Textual Notes, a List of Editions, an Appendix of Translations, and a Portrait.

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