A DIALOGUE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND
MISTRESS
ELIZA WHEELER, UNDER THE
NAME OF AMARYLLIS.
NAME OF AMARYLLIS.
Robert Herrick
Stand forth, brave man, here to the public sight;
And in my book now claim a twofold right:
The first as doctor, and the last as knight.
1063. CHARMS.
This I'll tell ye by the way:
Maidens, when ye leavens lay,
Cross your dough, and your dispatch
Will be better for your batch.
1064. ANOTHER.
In the morning when ye rise,
Wash your hands and cleanse your eyes.
Next be sure ye have a care
To disperse the water far;
For as far as that doth light,
So far keeps the evil sprite.
1065. ANOTHER.
If ye fear to be affrighted
When ye are by chance benighted,
In your pocket for a trust
Carry nothing but a crust:
For that holy piece of bread
Charms the danger and the dread.
1067. GENTLENESS.
_That prince must govern with a gentle hand
Who will have love comply with his command. _
1068.
A DIALOGUE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND MISTRESS ELIZA WHEELER, UNDER THE
NAME OF AMARYLLIS.
_Her. _ My dearest love, since thou wilt go,
And leave me here behind thee,
For love or pity let me know
The place where I may find thee.
_Ama. _ In country meadows pearl'd with dew,
And set about with lilies,
There, filling maunds with cowslips, you
May find your Amaryllis.
_Her. _ What have the meads to do with thee,
Or with thy youthful hours?
Live thou at Court, where thou mayst be
The queen of men, not flowers.
Let country wenches make 'em fine
With posies, since 'tis fitter
For thee with richest gems to shine,
And like the stars to glitter.
_Ama. _ You set too high a rate upon
A shepherdess so homely.
_Her. _ Believe it, dearest, there's not one
I' th' Court that's half so comely.
I prithee stay. _Ama. _ I must away;
Let's kiss first, then we'll sever.