Carolina, or, Loyal poems by Tho. Shipman, Esq.

THE INVITATION. 1662.

To the worthy Lady Mrs. Margaret Trafford.

IT is a Sin to know where Vertues are, Goodness, and Beauty, and not make a Pray'r T' injoy 'em; since then, Madam, all can tell In you these blessings with rich plenty dwell; I should be impious, not to request To see you, and then after to be blest. Your absence is a Judgment, most men say But little less than that at th' latter Day; When we shall want by day the Sun's great light, Nor must injoy the beauteous Queen of Night. Black fate! and yet your absence makes each time Mourn without light, as guilty of the crime. 'Tis true, these Planets may be seen, and are When you are absent; but they then appear

Like dying Tapers, or (with truer sense) Like things that want their prime Intelligence; That's you! you gild their Orbs, and then refine Their beams by yours, and teach 'em how to shine. 'Tis a religious point now to contend T' injoy you; since you'r more than any friend. You are a blessing, Madam, and a Crown; For Vertue's so, and serves you as her own. How great's your priviledge? since what the best Of Saints did strive for, you find in your breast. Your goodness will instruct you more at large; We are your Creatures, Madam, and your charge; You must be careful of us, and create, By your rich presence, a more happy state. Haste then, thou true Divinity, and give These blessings, that we may be good, and live.