An Apology for having loved before,

THey that never had the use
Of the Grapes surpri…ing juyc…;
To the first delicious cup,
All their Reason render up:
Neither do not care to know,
Whether it be best or no.
So they that are to love inclin'd;
Sway'd by Chance, not Choice or Art,
To the first that's fair or kind,
Make a present of their heart▪
'Tis not she that first we love,
But whom dying we approve.

To Man that was i'th …evening made,
Stars gave the first delight;
Admiring in the gloomy shade,
Those little drops of light.

Then at Aurora, whose fair hand
Remov'd them from the Skies,
He gazing toward the … did stan… ▪
She entertain'd his Eyes,

But when the bright Sun did appear,
All those he can despise,
His wonder was determin…d there,
And could no higher rise;

He neither might, nor wisht to know
A more refulgent light▪
For that (as mine your beauties now)
Imploy'd his utmost sight.