Poems, and essays: with a paraphrase on Cicero's Lælius, or Of friendship. Written in heroick verse by a gentleman of quality.

The Interrogation.

TEll me, my Muse, why thou desir'st to be So much Indulg'd to Love's soft Poesie: Oor do'st thou think thy Flames can kindle wit Equal to what is on that Subject writ? Love is a Theam too ancient to create A Poet, other than of latest Date. The Shepherd first on tender Reed could play, His fellow-Rural's charm'd with Loves soft lay: Diviner Orpheus Woods and Trees could move, To us Records the wonders of his Love. Eliza, in great Maro's lasting Lines, Speaks her soft flames, and with Troys ruine shines. Illustrious Muses Verse taught Love such Art, That Cupid still from him best acts his Part. If we ascend from ours to Homer's time, An take along our own best sense and Rhime, The witty Fletcher, and Elaborate Ben, And Shakespeare, had the first Dramatique Pen:

In most of their admired Scenes we prove, Their Busines or their Passion turns to Love. Cowly, no less good man than Poet too, Blush'd not his Verse should us his Mistress show. Beauty from Poets more than Painters lives; He but their Lines in fading colours gives. We can't now Helen from Apelles take; But Homer's Pencil her fair Life did make. So much oblig'd are all of Woman-kinde, As they their Fairest from the Muses finde. My Muse no less ambitious, bids implore Her for some Treasure of Love's witty store; Which she assur'd me never could decrease, While Lusters were beheld in womens face; Then represents her dams unto my eye, Asking to which my thoughts did most comply; Whether the Amorous Brown my Verse should praise, Or if the Fair I'd more Celestial raise; Or else, the lovely Black that Charms the sight, Should be my Theme, as she's the Queen of Night. This pass'd, and in a Trance a while I lay, Expecting what Love to my Muse would say; Which soon resolv'd, that if she'd finde me Wit, Each handsome woman should have Love, with it.