To Idera, Putting a Copy of Verses in at her Window at Midnight

THou conscious Night, my Strategem conceal!
May no perfidious Dreams my Theft reveal!
No Tell-tale Stars come prying near this way,
By silent signs, dumb motions to betray!
Propitious Venus, only she shine bright!
To blind the rest, and give a Lover light!
Go to the Enemies Quarters, happy Scout!
"There unconcern'd, undaunted look about,
"Soft as thy Message, as thy Master stout.
"If any rude, uncivil Hand should press,
"Exclaim against thy own unhappiness!
"Or silent trust th' event; Thou sliely fraught
"With Sinon's Art, wilt to the Queen be brought:
"And when into her presence thou art come,
"She'll read a line or two, then see from whom;
"Enquire where taken: still her heart will fail,
"The treacherous Prisoner must be sent to Jayl,
"That comes to steal the Hostage of her Heart,
"And lies in Ambush with the charming Art.
" Idera mov'd with pity, will repent,
"Some pretty amorous punishment invent;
"Perhaps, as much as she has read, she'll burn,
"'Till Flouds of Tears the Flames shall inward turn;
"Sympathy only will the Fire remove,
"In the old Channel set the course of Love.
"Under her Pillow the Remains she'll lay,
"By night to be her Dream, her Song by day.
"Which whilst she quavers out, the other part
"May pass her Guards, and seize her captiv'd Heart.
"Thou in Perfumes shalt either ravisht die,
"Or in the Milky Way translated lie.
"Go my Embassadour! before 't's too late,
"And oft revolve Scaevola's noble Fate.
"Carry these Kisses, Seals of my command,
"Unsully'd let her have them all at second hand.
"Go—let her Rosie Mouth, her Balmy Lips,
"(Where Cupid all his golden Arrows dips)
"The warm Virginity of these Kisses taste;
"Go—nor thy time, nor their sweet odour waste.
"These give her, as a Pledge, that I will own
"Thyrsis a humble Slave to Idera's Throne.
"Go—my Soul with thee take—thy Fortune try,
"Dangers and Difficulties all defie,
"What if thou shouldst like Codrus, or like Decius die?