The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #2920   Message #2748481
Posted By: Jim Dixon
20-Oct-09 - 12:16 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: Have You Seen But a White Lily Grow
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Have You Seen But a White Lily Grow
From The Works of Ben. Jonson, Vol. 6, (London: D. Midwinter et al., 1756), page 344:

A CELEBRATION OF CHARIS;
IN TEN LYRICK PIECES.
Ben Jonson

IV.—HER TRIUMPH.

See the chariot at hand here of love,
Wherein my lady rideth!
Each that draws is a swan or a dove,
And well the car love guideth.
As she goes, all hearts do duty
Unto her beauty,
And enamour'd, do wish so they might
But enjoy such a sight;
That they still were to run by her side.
Thro' swords, thro' seas, whither she would ride.

Do but look on her eyes, they do light
All that love's world compriseth!
Do but look on her hair, it is bright
As love's star when it riseth!
Do but mark, her forehead's smoother
Than words that sooth her!
And from her arched brows, such a grace
Sheds itself through the face,
As alone there triumphs to the life
All the gain, all the good of the elements strife.

Have you seen but a bright lily grow,
Before rude hands have touch'd it?
Ha' you mark'd but the fall o' the snow
Before the soil hath smutch'd it?
Have you felt the wool of the bever?
Or swan's down ever?
Or have smelt o' the bud o' the briar?
Or the nard in the fire?
Or have tasted the bag of the bee?
О so white! О so soft! O so sweet is she!