No More Learning

Courage, my soul ! now learn to wield
The weight of thine immortal shield ;
Close on thy head thy helmet bright ;
Balance thy sword against the fight ;
See where an army, strong as fair,
With silken banners spread the air !
Now, if thou be'st that thing divine,
In this day's combat let it shine.
And show that nature wants an art
To conquer one resolved heart.

PLEASURE.

Welcome ; the creation's guest,
Lord of earth, and heaven's heir I
Lay aside that warlike crest,
And of nature's banquet share.
Where the souls of fruits and flowers.
Stand prepared to heighten yours.



Digitized by VjOOQIC



110 THE POEMS

SOUL.

I sup above, and cannot stay,
To bait so long upon the way.

PLEASURE.

On these downy pillows lie,
Whose soft plumes will thither fly :
On these roses, strewed so plain
Lest one leaf thy side should strain.

80UL.

My gentler rest is on a thought,
Conscious of doing what I ought.

PLEASURE.
If thou be*st with perfumes pleased,
Such as ofl the gods appeased,
Thou in fragrant clouds shalt show.
Like another god below.

SOUL.

A soul that knows not to presume.
Is Heaven's, and its own, perfume.

PLEASURE.

Every thing does seem to vie
Which should first attract thine eye :
But since none deserves that grace,
In this crystal view thy face.



Digitized by VjOOQIC



OP MARVELL. Ill



SOUL.

When the Creator's skill is prized,
The rest is all but earth disguised.

PLEASURE.

Hark how music then prepares
For thy stay these charming airs,
Which the posting winds recall,
And suspend the river's fall.

SOUL.

Had I but any time to lose,

On thb I would it all dispose.

Cease tempter ! None can chain a mind,

Whom this sweet cordage ainnot bind.