George Wither Poems

Did I not know a great man's power and might
In spite of innocence can smother right,
Colour his villainies to get esteem,
...

Shall I, wasting in despair,
Die, because a woman's fair?
Or make pale my cheeks with care
'Cause another's rosy are?
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Can I think the Guide of Heaven
Hath so beautifully given
Outward features, 'cause He meant
To have made less excellent
...

Sweet baby, sleep! what ails my dear,
What ails my darling thus to cry?
Be still, my child, and lend thine ear
To hear me sing thy lullaby.
...

Lord! when those glorious lights I see
With which thou hast adorned the skies,
Observing how they moved be,
...

Ah me!
Am I the swain
That late from sorrow free
Did all the cares on earth disdain?
...

Seest thou not, in clearest days,
Oft thick fogs cloud Heaven's rays?
And that vapours which do breathe
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Lordly gallants! tell me this
(Though my safe content you weigh not),
In your greatness, what one bliss
Have you gained, that I enjoy not?
...

I wandered out a while agone,
And went I know not whither;
But there do beauties many a one
Resort and meet together,
...

Methought his royal person did foretell
A kingly stateliness, from all pride clear;
His look majestic seemèd to compel
...