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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. — John Shaqi

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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

I once could boast a soul like you,
        As unconfin'd as air;
      But mine, which force could not subdue,
        Was caught within this snare;                                 10
    And by myself betray'd, I for this gold
    Have to mine enemy my freedom sold.[47:1]

      No longer now, wise Art, inquire,
        (With this vain search delighted,)
      How souls that human[47:2] breasts inspire                      15
        Are to their frames united:
    Material chains such spirits well may bind,
    When this soft braid can tie both arm and mind.

      Now, Beauties, I defy your charm,
        Rul'd by more powerful art:                                   20
      This mystic wreath which crowns my arm
        Defends my vanquish'd heart;[47:3]
    And I, subdu'd by one more fair, shall be
    Secur'd from conquest by captivity.


          THE FAREWELL.

    Since Fate commands me hence, and I
    Must leave my soul with thee, and die,
    Dear, spare one sigh, or else let fall
    A tear to crown my funeral,
    That I may tell my grieved heart                                   5
    Thou art unwilling we should part;
    And martyrs that embrace the fire
    Shall with less joy than I expire.

    With this last kiss I will bequeath
    My soul, transfus'd into thy breath,                              10
    Whose active heat shall gently slide
    Into thy breast, and there reside,
    And may, (in spite of Fate thus blest,)
    Be, in this death, of heaven possess'd.[48:1]
    Then prove but kind; and thou shalt see                           15
    Love hath more power than Destiny.


          THE EXCHANGE: DIALOGUE.[49:1]

        _Phil[ocharis]._

    That kiss which last thou gav'st me, stole
      My fainting life away;
    Yet, though to thy breast fled, my soul
      Still in mine own doth stay.
    Weak Nature no such power doth know: }                             5
    Love only can these wonders show.    }[49:2]

        _Char[iessa]._

    And with the same warm breath did mine
      Into thy bosom slide,
    There dwell, contracted unto thine,
      Yet still with me reside.                                       10
    Weak Nature no such power doth know:
    Love only can these wonders show.

        _Chor[us]._

    Both souls thus in desire are one,
      And each is two in skill,
    Doubled in intellect alone,                                       15
      United in the will.
    Weak Nature no such power doth know:
    Love only can these wonders show.


          THE EXEQUIES.

            Draw near,
          You lovers, that complain
          Of Fortune or Disdain,
        And to my ashes lend a tear.
        Melt the hard marble with your groans,                         5
        And soften the relentless stones,
    Whose cold embraces the sad subject hide     }
    Of all Love's cruelties, and Beauty's pride. }[50:1]

Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.

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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