An Attempt At The Manner Of Waller
Did not thy reason, and thy sense, With most persuasive eloquence, Convince me that obedience due None may so justly claim as you, By right of beauty you would be Mistress o'er my heart and me. Then fear not I should e'er rebel, My gentle love! I might as well A forward peevishness put on, And quarrel with the mid-day sun; Or question who gave him a right To be so fiery and so bright. Nay, this were less absurd and vain Than disobedience to thy reign; His beams are oft too severe; But thou art mild, as thou art fair; First from necessity we own your sway, Then scorn our freedom, and by choice obey.
William Cowper’s other poems:
