THE VISIT by CHARLES COTTON

I

DARK was the silent shade, that hid
The fair Castanna from my sight:
The night was black (as it had need),
That could obscure so great a light.
Under the concave of each lid
A flaming ball of beauty bright,
Wrapped in a charming slumber lay,
That else would captivate the day.

II

(Led by a passionate desire),
I boldly did attempt the way;
And though my dull eyes wanted fire,
My seeing soul knew where she lay,
Thus, whilst I blindly did aspire,
Fear to displease her made me stay,
A doubt too weak for mine intent,
I knew she would forgive, and went.

III

Near to her maiden bed I drew,
Blessed in so rare a chance as this;
When by her odorous breath I knew
I did approach my Love, my Bliss:
Then did I eagerly pursue
My hopes, and found, and stole a kiss:
Such as perhaps Pygmalion took,
When cold his ivory love forsook.

IV

Soft was the sleep sate on her eyes,
As softest down, or whitest snow;
So gentle rest upon them lies,
Happy to charm those beauties so;
For which a thousand thousand dies,
Or living, live in restless woe;
For all that see her killing eye,
With love, or admiration die.

V

Chaste were the thoughts that had the power
To make me hazard this offence;
I mark'd the sleep, of this fair flower,
And found them full of innocence;
Wond'ring that hers, who slew each hour,
Should have so undisturb'd a sense;
But ah! these murders of mankind
Fly from her beauty, not her mind.

VI

Thus, while she sweetly slept, sat I
Contemplating the lovely Maid,
Of every tear, and every sigh
That sallied from my breast, afraid.
And now the morning star drew nigh,
When, fearing thus to be betray'd,
I softly from my nymph did move,
Wounded with everlasting Love.

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