Untitled [Tis now since I sate down before]
Tis now since I sate down before That foolish Fort, a heart; (Time strangely spent) a Year, and more, And still I did my part: Made my approaches, from her hand Unto her lip did rise, And did already understand The language of her eyes. Proceeded on with no lesse Art, My Tongue was Engineer; I thought to undermine the heart By whispering in the ear. When this did nothing, I brought down Great Canon-oaths, and shot A thousand thousand to the Town, And still it yeelded not. I then resolv'd to starve the place By cutting off all kisses, Praysing and gazing on her face, And all such little blisses. To draw her out, and from her strength, I drew all batteries in: And brought my self to lie at length As if no siege had been. When I had done what man could do, And thought the place mine owne, The Enemy lay quiet too, And smil'd at all was done. I sent to know from whence, and where, These hopes, and this relief? A Spie inform'd, Honour was there, And did command in chief. March, march (quoth I) the word straight give, Lets lose no time, but leave her: That Giant upon ayre will live, And hold it out for ever. To such a place our Camp remove As will no siege abide; I hate a fool that starves her Love Onely to feed her pride.
This poem is in the public domain.