Poems, &c. written upon several occasions, and to several persons by Edmond Waller.
Waller, Edmund, 1606-1687.
To a Friend of the different success of their Loves.
THrice happy pair of whom we cannot kno•
Which first began to love, or loves most now
Fair course of passion where two Lovers 〈◊〉,
And run together, 〈…〉
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Successful Youth, whom Love has taught the way
To be victorious in the first Essay.
Sure Love's an Art best practised at first,
And where th'experienc'd still prosper worst;
I with a different Fate pursu'd in vain
The haughty Calia, till my just disdain
Of her neglect, above that passion born,
Did pride to pride oppose, and scorn to scorn,
Now she relents, but all too late to move
A heart directed to a Nobler love;
The scales are turn'd, her kindness weighs no more,
Now, than my vows and service did before:
So in some well wrought hangings you may see
How Hector leads, and how the Grecians flee;
•ere the fierce Mars his courage so inspires▪
•hat with bold hands the Argive Fleet he fires;
〈…〉 there from Heaven the blew ey'd Virgin falls
•nd frighted Tro• retires within her Walls.
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They that are foremost in that bloody Race
Turn head anon, and give the Conqu'rors chace▪
So like the chances are of Love and War,
That they alone in this distinguish'd are:
In love the victors from the vanquish'd flie,
They flie that wound, and they pursue that die.
