Page:Oxford Book of English Verse 1250-1918.djvu/527

 JOHN SHEFFIELD

Of all mankind I loved the best A nymph so far above the rest That we outshined the Blest above; In beauty she, as I in love.

And therefore They, who could not bear To be outdone by mortals here, Among themselves have placed her now, And left me wretched here below.

All other fate I could have borne,

And even endured her very scorn;

But oh' thus all at once to find

That dread account both dead and kind!

What heart can hold? If yet I live,

'Tis but to show how much I grieve.

THOMAS OTWAY

The Enchantment

I DID but look and love awhile, 'Twas but for one half-hour; Then to resist I had no will, And now I have no power.

To sigh and wish is all my ease;

Sighs which do heat impart Enough to melt the coldest ice,

Yet cannot warm your heart.

O would your pity give my heart

One corner of your breast, 'Twould learn of yours the winning art,

And quickly steal the rest.

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