T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
The Morn
By Philip Ayres (1638–1712)(Lyric Poems, made in imitation of the Italians, 1687) |
WHEN light begins the eastern heaven to grace, | |
| And the night’s torches to the sun give place, | |
| Diana leaves her shepherd to his sleep, | |
| Grieved that her horns cannot their lustre keep. | |
| The boughs on which the wanton birds do throng, | 5 |
| Dance to the music of their chirping song, | |
| Whilst they rejoice the dusky clouds are fled, | |
| And bright Aurora rises from her bed. | |
| Then fools and flatterers to courts resort, | |
| Lovers of game up and pursue their sport; | 10 |
| With last night’s sleep refreshed, the lab’ring swain | |
| Cheerfully settles to his work again. | |
| Pleased Hob unfolds his flocks, and, whilst they feed, | |
| Sits and makes music on his oaten reed: | |
| Then I wake too, and viewing Lesbia’s charms, | 15 |
| Do glut myself with pleasure in her arms. | |