Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/328

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    Since then the Night hath hurl'd
        Darkness, Love's shade,
    Over its enemy the Day, and made
            The world
    Just such a blind and shapeless thing
As 'twas before light did from darkness spring,
    Let us employ its treasure
    And make shade pleasure:
Let's number out the hours by blisses,
And count the minutes by our kisses;
    Let the heavens new motions feel
    And by our embraces wheel;
    And whilst we try the way
    By which Love doth convey
        Soul unto soul,
        And mingling so
    Makes them such raptures know
    As makes them entrancèd lie
        In mutual ecstasy,
Let the harmonious spheres in music roll!



WILLIAM HABINGTON

1605-1654


297. To Roses in the Bosom of Castara

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!
  How rich a perfume do ye yield!
In some close garden cowslips so
  Are sweeter than i' th' open field.