The Constant.

GReat, and wise Conqu'rour, who where ere
Thou com'st, dost fortifie, and settle there!
Who canst defend as well as get;
And never hadst one Quarter beat up yet;
Now thou art in, Thou ne'r wilt part
With one inch of my vanquisht Heart;
For since thou took'st it by assault from Mee,
'Tis Garison'd so strong with Thoughts of Thee,
It fears no beauteous Enemie.

Had thy charming strength been less,
I'had serv'd ere this an hundred Mistresses.
I'm better thus, nor would compound
To leave my Pris'on to be a Vagabound.
A Pr'ison in which I still would be,
Though every door stood op'e to Me.
In spight both of thy Coldness and thy Pride,
All Love is Marriage on thy Lovers side,
For onely Death can them divide.

Close, narrow Chain, yet soft and kind,
As that which Spi'rits above to good does bind,
Gentle, and sweet Necessitie,
Which does not force, but guide our Libertie!
Your love on Me were spent in vain,
Since my Love still could but remain
Iust as it is; for what, alas can be
Added to that which hath Infinitie
Both in Extent, and Qualitie?