Sunday, December 30, 2012

Ancient person


A S O N G Of a Young L A D Y To her Ancient Lover.

I.
Ancient Person, for whom I
All the flatt'ring Youth defie;
Long be it ere thou grow Old,
Aching, shaking, crazy, cold.
But still continue as thou art,
Ancient Person of my Heart.

II.
On thy wither'd Lips and dry,
Which like barren Furrows lie,
Brooding Kisses I will pour,
Shall thy youthful Heat restore.
Such kind Show'rs in Autumn fall,
And a second Spring recall:
Nor from thee will ever part,
Ancient Person of my Heart.

III.
Thy Nobler Parts, which but to name,
In our Sex would be counted Shame,
By Age's frozen Grasp possess'd,
From their Ice shall be releas'd:
And, sooth'd by my reviving Hand,
In former Warmth and Vigour stand.
All a Lover's Wish can reach,
For thy Joy my Love shall teach:
And for thy Pleasure shall improve
All that Art can add to Love.
Yet still I love thee without Art,
Ancient person of my heart.
John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester

Link
John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester 1647–1680