Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1900.djvu/560

 MARK AKENSIDE

1721-1770

461. Amoret

If rightly tuneful bards decide, If it be fix'd in Love's decrees, That Beauty ought not to be tried But by its native power to please, Then tell me, youths and lovers, tell— What fair can Amoret excel?

Behold that bright unsullied smile, And wisdom speaking in her mien: Yet—she so artless all the while, So little studious to be seen— We naught but instant gladness know, Nor think to whom the gift we owe.

But neither music, nor the powers Of youth and mirth and frolic cheer, Add half the sunshine to the hours, Or make life's prospect half so clear, As memory brings it to the eye From scenes where Amoret was by.

This, sure, is Beauty's happiest part; This gives the most unbounded sway; This shall enchant the subject heart When rose and lily fade away; And she be still, in spite of Time, Sweet Amoret in all her prime.