Familiar Quotations Part 39

Sweet day, so cool, so cairn, so bright, The bridall of the earth and skies.

Only a sweet and virtuous soul, Like seasoned timber, never gives.

SIR JOHN SUCKLING.

1608-1644.

_On a Wedding_.

Her feet beneath her petticoat, Like little mice, stole in and out, As if they feared the light; But oh! she dances such a way!

No sun upon an Easter-day Is half so fine a sight.

Her lips were red, and one was thin, Compared with that was next her chin, Some bee had stung it newly.

_Song_.

Why so pale and wan, fond lover, Prithee, why so pale?

Will, when looking well can't move her, Looking ill prevail?

Prithee, why so pale?

ROBERT HERRICK.

1591-1660.

_The Rock of Rubies, and the Quarrie of Pearls_.

Some asked me where the Rubies grew, And nothing I did say; But with my finger pointed to The lips of Julia.

Some asked how Pearls did grow, and where?

Then spoke I to my Girl, To part her lips, and showed them there The quarelets of Pearl.

_On her Feet_.

Her pretty feet, like snails, did creep A little out, and then, As if they played at Bo-peep, Did soon draw in again.

_To the Virgins to make much of Time_.

Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying, And this same flower, that smiles to-day, To-morrow will be dying.

_Night Piece to Julia_.

Her eyes the glowworm lend thee, The shooting stars attend thee; And the elves also, Whose little eyes glow Like the sparks of fire, befriend thee.

SIR RICHARD LOVELACE.

1618-1658.

_Orpheus to Beasts_.

Oh! could you view the melody Of every grace, And music of her face, You'd drop a tear; Seeing more harmony In her bright eye, Than now you hear.

_To Lucasta on Going to the Wars_.

I could not love thee, dear, so much, Loved I not honor more.

_To Althea from Prison_.

Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron barres a cage; Mindes innocent, and quiet, take That for an hermitage.

JAMES SHIRLEY.

1596-1666.

_Contention of Ajax and Ulysses_.

Only the actions of the just Smell sweet and blossom in the dust.