To win a stubborn, and ungratefull heart;
And to the World, by tend' rest proof discovers
They err, who say that husbands can't be lovers.
With such return of passion, as is due,
Daphnis I love, Daphnis my thoughts persue,
Daphnis, my hopes, my joys, are bounded all in you:
Ev'n I, for Daphnis, and my promise sake,
What I in women censure, undertake.
But this from love, not vanity, proceeds ;
You know who writes; and I who 'tis that reads.
Judge not my passion, by my want of skill,
Many love well, though they express itt ill;
And I your censure cou'd with pleasure bear,
Wou'd you but soon return, and speak itt here.
TO MR. F. NOW EARL OF W.
Who going abroad, had desired Ardelia to write some Verses upon whatever Subject she thought fit, against his Return in the Evening
Written in the Year 1689
No sooner, Flavio, was you gone,
But, your Injunction thought upon,
Ardelia took the Pen ;
Designing to perform the Task,
Her Flavio did so kindly ask,
Ere he returned agen.
Unto Parnassus strait she sent,
And bid the Messenger, that went
Unto the Muses Court,
Assure them, she their Aid did need, 10
And begg'd they'd use their utmost Speed,
Because the Time was short.
