The Works of Abraham Cowley/Volume 2/Resolved to love

by Abraham Cowley

RESOLVED TO LOVE.

I wonder what the grave and wise
Think of all us that love;
Whether our pretty fooleries
Their mirth or anger move:
They understand not breath that words does want;
Our sighs to them are insignificant.

One of them saw me, th' other day,
Touch the dear hand which I admire;
My soul was melting strait away,
And dropt before the fire:
This silly wise-man, who pretends to know,
Ask'd why I look'd so pale, and trembled so?

Another, from my mistress' door
Saw me with eyes all watry come;
Nor could the hidden cause explore,
But thought some smoke was in the room:
Such ignorance from unwounded learning came;
He knew tears made by smoke, but not by flame.

If learn'd in other things you be,
And have in love no skill,
For God's sake keep your arts from me,
For I'll be ignorant still:
Study or action others may embrace;
My love's my business, and my books her face.

These are but trifles, I confess,
Which me, weak mortal! move;
Nor is your busy-seriousness
Less trifling than my love:
The wisest king, who from his sacred breast
Pronounc'd all vanity, chose it for the best.

 

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