Thomas Humphry Ward, ed. The English Poets. 1880–1918.rnVol. II. The Seventeenth Century: Ben Jonson to Dryden

Thomas Carew (1595?–1639?)

Song: ‘Would you know what ’s soft?’

WOULD you know what ’s soft? I dare

Not bring you to the down, or air,

Nor to stars to show what ’s bright,

Nor to snow to teach you white;

Nor, if you would music hear,

Call the orbs to take your ear;

Nor, to please your sense, bring forth

Bruisëd nard, or what ’s more worth;

Or on food were your thoughts placed,

Bring you nectar for a taste;

Would you have all these in one,

Name my mistress, and ’tis done!