Gateway to the Classics: Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 2 by Arthur Quiller-Couch
 
Oxford Book of English Verse, Part 2 by  Arthur Quiller-Couch

To Roses in the Bosom of Castara

Ye blushing virgins happy are

In the chaste nunnery of her breasts—

For he'd profane so chaste a fair,

Whoe'er should call them Cupid's nests.


Transplanted thus how bright ye grow!

How rich a perfume do ye yield!

In some close garden cowslips so

Are sweeter than i' th' open field.


In those white cloisters live secure

From the rude blasts of wanton breath!—

Each hour more innocent and pure,

Till you shall wither into death.


Then that which living gave you room,

Your glorious sepulchre shall be.

There wants no marble for a tomb

Whose breast hath marble been to me.

— William Habington
1605-1654   


 Table of Contents  |  Index  |  Home  | Previous: Time  |  Next: Nox Nocti Indicat Scientiam
Copyright (c) 2005 - 2023   Yesterday's Classics, LLC. All Rights Reserved.