Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/281

 COUNTESS OF WINCHILSEA 143 �And spends in am'rous verse the sleepless night ; While happier youths, with colder spirits born, View the distress with pity or with scorn, 10 �And maids so long unus'd to be ador'd Think it portends the pestilence or sword. �How chang'd is Britain to the blooming fair, Whom now the men no longer make their care ; But of indifference arrogantly boast, And scarce the wine gets down some famous toast ! Not so (as still declare their works) it prov'd When Spencer, Sydney, and when Waller lov'd, Who with soft numbers wing'd successful darts, Nor thought the passion lessning to their parts ; 20 Then let such patterns countenance his fire, Whom love and verse do now afresh inspire, 'Gainst all who blame or at the fate admire ; And learn the nymphs, how to regain their sway, And make this stubborn sex once more obey ; Call back the fugitives by modest pride, And let them fear sometimes to be deny'd ; Stay 'till their courtship may deserve that name, And take not ev'ry look for love and flame ; To mercenary ends no charms imploy, 30 �Nor stake their smiles against some rafled toy : For every fop lay not th' insnaring train, Nor lose the worthy to allure the vain. Keep at due distance all attempts of bliss, Nor let too near a whisper seem a kiss. Be not the constant partner of a swain, Except his long address that favor gain ; Nor be transported when some trifle's view. Directs his giddy choice to fix on you. Amend whatever may your charms disgrace, 40 �And trust not wholly to a conquering face, ������ �