CVI.
O absent presence! STELLA is not here!
False flattering hope! that with so fair a face
Bare me in hand that in this orphan place
STELLA, I say, my STELLA! should appear.
What sayest thou now? Where is that dainty cheer
Thou told'st mine eyes should help their famished case?
But thou art gone now; that self-felt disgrace
Doth make me most to wish thy comfort near.
But here I do store of fair ladies meet;
Who may with charm of conversation sweet,
Make in my heavy mould, new thoughts to grow.
Sure they prevail as much with me, as he
That bade his friend, but then new-maimed, to be
Merry with him and not think of his woe.
CVII.
STELLA! SINCE thou so right a Princess art
Of all the powers which life bestows on me;
That ere by them ought undertaken be,
They first resort unto that sovereign part.
Sweet! for a while give respite to my heart,
Which pants as though it still should leap to thee;
And on my thoughts give thy Lieutenancy
To this great cause, which needs both use and art.
And as a Queen, who from her presence sends
Whom she employs, dismiss from thee my wit!
Till it have wrought what thy own will attends.
On servants' shame oft master's blame doth sit.
O let not fools in me thy works reprove;
And scorning, say, "See! what it is to love!"
