Poetical recreations consisting of original poems, songs, odes, &c. with several new translations : in two parts / part I, occasionally written by Mrs. Jane Barker, part II, by several gentlemen of the universities, and others.

TO CLARINDA, ON HIS Deserting her, and loving Cosmelia.

'TIS true, Clarinda, once I did resign To your frail Beauty this kind Heart of mine•• Yet the Resignment but in thought was sign'd, For words ne'er seal'd the impress of my Mind. Too well my Heart was sensible you gain'd, By treach'rous Wiles, the Conquest you obtain'd: And that by Art y' assum'd deluding Looks; Looks unrecorded in kind Nature's Books: Therefore I've justly banish'd you my Breast, No more your Beauty shall invade my rest, I've entertain'd a more deserving Guest: Not One whose Heart's inconstant as the Wind, But One, whose Love to One can be confin'd: One, whose true Love with Friendship ever flows, And whom kind Fate has for my Lover chose;

To her m' inamour'd Heart doth panting move, By fervent Efforts of Ecstatick Love: With modest Blushes I inform her Eyes, Her vertuous Love has made my Heart her prize. And whilst my Blushes doe confess I burn, By Sighs and Looks she makes as kind return. Know then, kind Nymph, my Love to you's expir'd, And fled to her, who thus my Breast has fir'd. Without her (a) 1.1 Art, your Beauty will decay, A fit of Sickness makes it fade away: Whilst in her sight no bold Disease durst stand, But, trembling, vanishes at her command. What though your Pencil Nature oft supplies, With Charms as piercing as your Azure Eyes: Yet know, 'tis noble Verse sets off your Paint; Her Poetry alone can dub a Saint.

Notes

• (a) 1.1

  The Lady having Skill in Physick.