The Works of Sir John Suckling in prose and verse/Against Fruition (2)
AGAINST FRUITION
Fie upon hearts that burn with mutual fire!
I hate two minds that breathe but one desire.
Were I to curse th' unhallow'd sort of men,
I'd wish them to love, and be lov'd again.
Love's a camelion, that lives on mere air,5
And surfeits when it comes to grosser fare:
'Tis petty jealousies, and little fears,
Hopes join'd with doubts, and joys with April tears,
That crowns our love with pleasures: these are gone
When once we come to full fruition,10
Like waking in a morning, when all night
Our fancy hath been fed with true delight.
O, what a stroke 'twould be! sure I should die,
Should I but hear my mistress once say, ay.
That monster expectation feeds too high15
For any women e'er to satisfy;
And no brave spirit ever car'd for that
Which in down beds with ease he could come at.
She's but an honest whore that yields, although
She be as cold as ice, as pure as snow:20
He that enjoys her hath no more to say
But 'Keep us fasting, if you'll have us pray.'
Then, fairest mistress, hold the power you have,
By still denying what we still do crave;
In keeping us in hopes strange things to see25
That never were, nor are, nor e'er shall be.