25707 A Letter written by S^r H: G: and J: D:
alternis vicibus 433
Addl.
alternis vicibus 433
Addl.
Donne - 1
82, l.
46.
thẽ; P.
90, l.
2.
frõ; P.
128, l.
28.
Valẽtine; P. 141, l. 8. whẽ; P. 150, l. 16. thẽ; P. 159, l.
30. strãge; P. 169, l. 31. whõ; P. 257, l. 210. successiõ; P. 266, l.
513. anciẽt; P. 305, l. 255. thẽ; P. 336, l. 10. whẽ; P. 343,
l. 126. Frõ; P. 345, l. 169. thẽ; P. 387, l. 71. Pẽbrooke.
There are a few examples of the same changes in the poems printed from
the later editions, but I have not reproduced any of these editions so
completely as 1633, every poem in which, with the exception of Basse's
_An Epitaph upon Shakespeare_ (1633. p. 149 i. e. 165) has been here
reprinted.
CONTENTS OF VOL. I
SOURCE PAGE
1633 THE PRINTER TO THE UNDERSTANDERS 1
1633 HEXASTICHON BIBLIOPOLAE 3
1635 HEXASTICHON AD BIBLIOPOLAM 3
1650 DEDICATION TO THE EDITION OF 1650 4
1650 TO JOHN DONNE 5
1650 TO LUCY, COUNTESSE OF BEDFORD, WITH M. DONNES SATYRES 6
1650 TO JOHN DONNE 6
SONGS AND SONETS
1633 195 The good-morrow 7
196-7 Song 8
197-8 Womans constancy 9
198-9 The undertaking 10
199-200 The Sunne Rising 11
200-1 The Indifferent 12
201-2 Loves Vsury 13
202-4 The Canonization 14
204-5 The triple Foole 16
205-6 Lovers infiniteness 17
206-8 Song 18
208-9 The Legacie 20
209-10 A Feaver 21
211-12 Aire and Angels 22
212 Breake of day 23
213-14 The Anniversarie 24
214-17 A Valediction: of my name, in the window 25
218-19 Twicknam garden 28
219-21 A Valediction: of the booke 29
222 Communitie 32
223-4 Loves growth 33
224-5 Loves exchange 34
226 Confined Love 36
227 The Dreame 37
228-9 A Valediction: of weeping 38
229-30 Loves Alchymie 39
230-1 The Flea 40
231-2 The Curse 41
186 The Message 43
187-8 A nocturnall upon S. Lucies day, Being
the shortest day 44
189 Witchcraft by a picture 45
190-1 The Baite 46
191 The Apparition 47
192-3 The broken heart 48
193-4 A Valediction: forbidding mourning 49
277-80 The Extasie 51
280-1 Loves Deitie 54
281-2 Loves diet 55
283-5 The Will 56
285-6 The Funerall 58
286-7 The Blossome 59
288-9 The Primrose, being at Montgomery Castle,
upon the hill, on which it is situate 61
289-90 The Relique 62
290-1 The Dampe 63
291-2 The Dissolution 64
292-3 A Ieat Ring sent 65
293 Negative love 66
294 The Prohibition 67
295 The Expiration 68
295 The Computation 69
302 The Paradox 69
1635 63-4 Farewell to love 70
66-7 A Lecture upon the Shadow 71
1650 264-5 Sonnet. The Token 72
391-2 <Selfe Love> He that cannot chuse but love 73
EPIGRAMS
1633 40 Hero and Leander 75
40 Pyramus and Thisbe 75
40 Niobe 75
41 A burnt ship 75
41 Fall of a wall 76
41 A lame begger 76
Westmoreland MS. Cales and Guyana 76
" MS. Sir Iohn Wingefield 76
1633 41 A selfe accuser 76
42 A licentious person 77
42 Antiquary 77
42 Disinherited 77
42 Phryne 77
42 An obscure writer 77
42 Klockius 77
43 Raderus 78
43 Mercurius Gallo-Belgicus 78
43 Ralphius 78
Westmoreland MS. The Lier 78
ELEGIES
1633 44-5 I. Iealosie 79
45-7 II. The Anagram 80
47-8 III. Change 82
49-51 IV. The Perfume 84
51-2 V. His Picture 86
53-5 VI. Oh, let mee not 87
55-6 VII. Natures lay Ideot 89
149-50 VIII. The Comparison 90
151-2 IX. The Autumnall 92
153 X. The Dreame 95
1635 89-93 XI. The Bracelet 96
1669 86-9 XII. His parting from her 100
1635 96-7 XIII. Iulia 104
98-100 XIV. A Tale of a Citizen and his Wife 105
1633 300-2 XV. The Expostulation 108
1635 269-70 XVI. On his Mistris 111
1650 388-90 XVII. Variety 113
1669 94-7 XVIII. Loves Progress 116
97-9 XIX. Going to Bed 119
Westmoreland MS. XX. Loves Warr 122
1633 166-8 HEROICALL EPISTLE: Sapho to Philænis 124
EPITHALAMIONS, OR MARRIAGE SONGS
1633 118-22 An Epithalamion, Or marriage Song on the
Lady Elizabeth, and Count Palatine being
married on St. Valentines day 127
123-27 Eclogue. 1613. December 26 131
127-35 Epithalamion 135
135-8 Epithalamion made at Lincolnes Inne 141
SATYRES
1633 325-8 Satyre I 145
329-32 Satyre II 149
333-6 Satyre III 154
337-45 Satyre IIII 158
346-9 Satyre V 168
1650 262-4 Vpon Mr. Thomas Coryats Crudities 172
_Coryats Crudities_ In eundem Macaronicon 174
LETTERS TO SEVERALL PERSONAGES
1633 56-9 The Storme 175
59-61 The Calme 178
61-3 To S^r Henry Wotton. Sir, more then kisses 180
72-4 To S^r Henry Goodyere. Who makes the Past 183
74-5 To M^r Rowland Woodward. Like one who 185
76-7 To S^r Henry Wootton. Here's no more newes 187
Burley MS. H: W: in Hiber: belligeranti 188
1633 77-9 To the Countesse of Bedford. Madame, Reason is 189
79-82 To the Countesse of Bedford. Madame, You
have refin'd 191
82-4 To S^r Edward Herbert, at Iulyers. Man is a lumpe 193
84-7 To the Countesse of Bedford. T'have written then 195
87-90 To the Countesse of Bedford. This twilight of 198
90-3 To the Countesse of Huntingdon. Madame,
Man to Gods image 201
93-4 To M^r T. W. All haile sweet Poët 203
95 To M^r T. W. Hast thee harsh verse 205
95-6 To M^r T. W. Pregnant again 206
96 To M^r T. W. At once, from 206
Westmoreland MS. To M^r R. W. Zealously my Muse 207
" MS. To M^r R. W. Muse not that by 207
1633 97 To M^r C. B. Thy friend, whom 208
Westmoreland MS. To M^r E. G. Even as lame things 208
1633 100-1 To M^r R. W. If, as mine is 209
Westmoreland MS. To M^r R. W. Kindly I envy 210
1633 98 To M^r S. B. O Thou which 211
101 To M^r I. L. Of that short 212
99-100 To M^r B. B. Is not thy sacred 212
102 To M^r I. L. Blest are your 213
104-5 To Sir H. W. at his going Ambassador to Venice 214
106-8 To M^rs M. H. Mad paper stay 216
108-10 To the Countesse of Bedford. Honour is so 218
111 To the Countesse of Bedford. Though I be dead 220
112-13 A Letter to the Lady Carey, and M^rs Essex
Riche, From Amyens. Madame, Here where 221
115-18 To the Countesse of Salisbury. August. 1614 224
298-9 To the Lady Bedford. You that are she 227
AN ANATOMIE OF THE WORLD
1633 233-5 To the praise of the dead 229
235-51 The first Anniversary 231
252-5 A Funerall Elegie 245
OF THE PROGRESSE OF THE SOULE
1633 257-9 The Harbinger to the Progresse 249
260-77 The second Anniversarie 251
EPICEDES AND OBSEQUIES UPON THE
DEATHS OF SUNDRY PERSONAGES
1633 154-7 Elegie upon the untimely death of the
incomparable Prince Henry 267
139 To the Countesse of Bedford. _Letter introducing_ 270
140-8 Obsequies to the Lord Harrington, brother to
the Lady Lucy, Countesse of Bedford 271
66-8 Elegie on the Lady Marckham 279
69-71 Elegie on M^{ris} Boulstred 282
296-8 Elegie. Death 284
52-3 Elegie on the L. C. 287
162-3 An hymne to the Saints, and to Marquesse
Hamylton 288
EPITAPHS
1635 271 On himselfe 291
386-7 Omnibus 292
1633 before p. 1 INFINITATI SACRUM
Epistle 293
1-27 The Progresse of the Soule 295
DIVINE POEMS
1633 103 To E. of D. with six holy Sonnets 317
Walton's _Life of }To the Lady Magdalen Herbert: of St. Mary
M^r George Herbert_} Magdalen 317
HOLY SONNETS
1633 28 _La Corona_ 318
28-9 Annunciation 319
29 Nativitie 319
30 Temple 320
30-1 Crucifying 320
31 Resurrection 321
31-2 Ascention 321
_Holy Sonnets_
1635 331-2 I. Thou hast made me 322
1633 32 II. As due by many titles 322
1635 333 III. O might those sighes and teares 323
1633 33 IV. Oh my blacke Soule 323
1635 334 V. I am a little world 324
1633 33-4 VI. This is my playes last scene 324
34 VII. At the round earths imagin'd corners 325
1635 336 VIII. If faithfull soules be alike glorifi'd 325
1633 35 IX. If poysonous mineralls 326
35-6 X. Death be not proud 326
36 XI. Spit in my face you Jewes 327
37 XII. Why are wee by all creatures waited on? 327
37-8 XIII. What if this present were the worlds last
night? 328
38 XIV. Batter my heart 328
39 XV. Wilt thou love God, as he thee! 329
39-40 XVI. Father, part of his double interest 329
Westmoreland MS. XVII. Since she whom I lov'd hath payd
her last debt 330
" MS. XVIII. Show me deare Christ, thy spouse 330
" MS. XIX. Oh, to vex me, contraryes meet in one 331
1633 64-6 The Crosse 331
161-2 Resurrection, imperfect 333
168-9 The Annuntiation and Passion 334
170-1 Goodfriday, 1613. Riding Westward 336
172-85 THE LITANIE 338
1635 366-8 Vpon the translation of the Psalmes by Sir
Philip Sydney, and the Countesse of Pembroke
his Sister 348
368 Ode: Of our Sense of Sinne 350
369-70 To M^r Tilman after he had taken orders 351
1633 304-5 A Hymne to Christ, at the Authors last going
into Germany 352
306-23 The Lamentations of Ieremy, for the most part
according to Tremelius 354
1635 387-8 Hymne to God my God, in my sicknesse 368
1633 350 A Hymne to God the Father 369
Trinity College, Dublin, MS. To Christ 370
ELEGIES UPON THE AUTHOR 371
APPENDIX A
LATIN POEMS AND TRANSLATIONS
1635 278 De libro cum mutuaretur &c. 397
278 <Epigramma> 397
1650 370-1 Amicissimo, & meritissimo, Ben Jonson 398
378 To M^r George Herbert, with one of my Seals 398
379 A sheafe of Snakes used 399
385 Translated out of Gazæus 401
APPENDIX B
POEMS ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN DONNE IN THE OLD EDITIONS
(1633-1669) AND THE PRINCIPAL MS. COLLECTIONS,
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THEIR PROBABLE AUTHOR.
I
POEMS. Probably by Sir John Roe, Knt.
1669 130-42 To S^r Nicholas Smyth. Sleep, next society 401
1635 146-7 Satyre. Men write that love and reason
disagree 406
93-5 An Elegie. Come, Fates; I feare you not 407
Hawthornden MS. An Elegie to M^{ris} Boulstred: 1602 410
Addl. MS. 10309 An Elegie. True love findes witt 412
1635 65-6 Song. Deare Love, continue 412
208-9 To Ben. Iohnson, 6 Ian. 1603 414
207-8 To Ben. Iohnson, 9. Novembris, 1603 415
209-10 To S^r Tho. Roe. 1603 416
II
1635 191-5 To the Countesse of Huntington.
That unripe side of earth 417
III
1635 272 Elegie.
Death be not proud 422
IV
1635 157-61 Psalme 137. Probably by Francis Davison.
By Euphrates Flowry side 424
V
1635 342 On the blessed Virgin Mary. Probably by
Henry Constable 427
VI
1635 372 On the Sacrament 427
VII
Stowe MS. 961 Absence. Absence, heare my protestation 428
Probably by John Hoskins.
VIII
1635 62 Song. Soules joy. Probably by the Earl of
Pembroke 429
195-6 A Dialogue 430
IX
1669 17 Break of Daye.
Stay, O sweet 432
Probably by John Dowlands.
APPENDIX C
Addl. MS.
25707 A Letter written by S^r H: G: and J: D:
alternis vicibus 433
Addl. MS. 25707 O Frutefull Garden 434
To my Lord of Pembroke 435
Of a Lady in the Black Masque 436
Burley MS. <Life. > 437
<My Love. > 437
<O Eyes! > 438
<Silence Best Praise. > 439
<Beauty in Little Room. > 440
<Loves Zodiake. > 440
<Fortune, Love, and Time. > 440
<Life a Play. > 441
A Kisse 441
Epi: B: Jo: 443
Epi: Hen: Princ: Hug^o Holland 443
O'Flaherty MS. <The Annuntiation. Additional Lines. > 443
Elegy. To Chast Love 445
Upon his scornefull Mistresse. Elegy 446
Lansdowne MS. 740 <Absence. > 447
<Tongue-tied Love. > 447
O'Flaherty MS. <Love, if a God thou art. > 448
<Great Lord of Love. > 448
<Loves Exchange. > 449
Song. Now y'have killd 450
Stowe MS. 961 Love, bred of glances 450
Bridgewater MS. To a Watch restored to its Mystres<se> 451
Egerton MS. <Ad Solem. > 451
Stephens MS. <If She Deride. > 452
<Fortune Never Fails. > 453
To His Mistress 455
Stowe MS. 961 A Paradoxe of a Painted Face 456
Sonnett. Madam that flea 459
Addl. MS. 11811 On Black Hayre and Eyes 460
Phillipps MS. Fragment of an Elegy 462
Walton's _Compleat Angler_ <Farewel, ye guilded follies. > 465
INDEX OF FIRST LINES 469
PLATES
John Donne, from the engraving prefixed to the _Poems_, 1635
_face page_ 7
John Donne, 1613, from an engraving prefixed to the prose
_Letters &c. _, 1651 _face page_ 175
John Donne, from the frontispiece to _Death's Duel_, 1632
_face page_ 369
LIST OF EDITIONS REGULARLY CITED IN NOTES.
_1633_, _1635_, _1639_, _1650_, _1654_, _1669_.
Contractions:
_1633-54_ i. e. All editions between and including these dates.
_1633-69_ i. e. All the editions.
Etc.
EDITIONS OCCASIONALLY CITED.
_1649_, in lists of editions and MSS. appended to poems first
published in that edition. Textually it is identical with
_1650-54_.
_1719_, Tonson's edition.
_1855_, The Boston edition of that year--cited once.
_Grosart_, A. B. Grosart's edition of 1872-3.
_Grolier_, The Grolier Club edition of Professor Norton and
Mrs. Burnett, 1895.
_Chambers_, Mr. E. K. Chambers' edition of 1896.
LIST OF MS. SIGLA
_A10_ Additional MS. 10,309, British Museum.
_A11_ " " 11,811, "
_A18_ " " 18,646, "
_A23_ " " 23,229, "
_A25_ " " 25,707, "
_A34_ " " 34,744, "
_Ash 38_ Ashmole MS. 38, Bodleian Library.
_B_ Bridgewater MS. , Bridgewater House.
_Bur_ Burley MS. , formerly at Burley-on-the-Hill House, Rutland.
_C_ Cambridge University Library MS.
_Cy_ Carnaby MS. , Harvard College.
_D_ Dowden MS. , belonging to Professor Edward Dowden.
_E20_ Egerton MS. 2013, British Museum.
_E22_ " " 2230, "
_G_ Gosse MS. of _Metempsychosis_, belonging to Mr. Edmund Gosse.
_H39_ Harleian MS. 3910, British Museum.
_H40_ " " 4064, "
_H49_ " " 4944, "
_H51_ " " 5110, "
_HN_ Hawthornden MS. , Library of Society of Antiquaries, Edinburgh.
_JC_ John Cave MS. , belonging to Mr. Elkin Mathews.
_L74_ Lansdowne MS. 740, British Museum.
_L77_ " " 777, "
_Lec_ Leconfield MS. , at Petworth House.
_M_ Monckton-Milnes MS. , belonging to the Marquis of Crewe.
_N_ Norton MS. , Harvard College.
_O'F_ O'Flaherty MS. , Harvard College.
_P_ Phillipps MS. , belonging to Captain C. Shirley Harris.
_Q_ Queen's College MS. , Queen's College, Oxford.
_RP31_ Rawlinson Poetical MS. 31, Bodleian Library, Oxford.
_RP61_ " " " 61 " " "
_S_ Stephens MS. , Harvard College.
_S96_ Stowe MS. 961, British Museum.
_TCC_ Trinity College, Cambridge, MS.
_TCD_ Trinity College, Dublin, MS. G. 2. 21.
_TCD_ (II) A second collection of poems in the same MS.
_W_ Westmoreland MS. , belonging to Mr. Edmund Gosse.
The following groups are important:--
_D_, _H49_, _Lec_,
and
_A18_, _N_, _TC_, where _TC_ represents _TCC_ and _TCD_
THE PRINTER
TO THE
UNDERSTANDERS.
For this time I must speake only to you: at another, _Readers_ may
perchance serve my turne; and I thinke this a way very free from
exception, in hope that very few will have a minde to confesse
themselves ignorant.
If you looke for an Epistle, as you have before ordinary publications,
I am sory that I must deceive you; but you will not lay it to my
charge, when you shall consider that this is not ordinary, for if I
should say it were the best in this kinde, that ever this Kingdome
hath yet seene; he that would doubt of it must goe out of the Kingdome
to enforme himselfe, for the best judgments, within it, take it for
granted.
You may imagine (if it please you) that I could endeare it unto
you, by saying, that importunity drew it on; that had it not beene
presented here, it would have come to us from beyond the Seas; (which
perhaps is true enough,) That my charge and paines in procuring of
it hath beene such, and such. I could adde hereto, a promise of more
correctnesse, or enlargement in the next Edition, if you shall in the
meane time content you with this. But these things are so common, as
that I should profane this Peece by applying them to it; A Peece
which who so takes not as he findes it, in what manner soever, he
is unworthy of it, sith a scattered limbe of this Author, hath more
amiablenesse in it, in the eye of a discerner, then a whole body of
some other; Or, (to expresse him best by himselfe)
[Sidenote: _In the Storme. _]
--_A hand, or eye,
By_ Hilyard _drawne, is worth a history
By a worse Painter made_;--
If any man (thinking I speake this to enflame him for the vent of
the Impression) be of another opinion, I shall as willingly spare his
money as his judgement. I cannot lose so much by him as hee will by
himselfe. For I shall satisfie my selfe with the conscience of well
doing, in making so much good common.
Howsoever it may appeare to you, it shall suffice mee to enforme you,
that it hath the best warrant that can bee, publique authority, and
private friends.
There is one thing more wherein I will make you of my counsell, and
that is, That whereas it hath pleased some, who had studyed and did
admire him, to offer to the memory of the Author, not long after his
decease, I have thought I should do you service in presenting them
unto you now; onely whereas, had I placed them in the beginning, they
might have serv'd for so many Encomiums of the Author (as is usuall
in other workes, where perhaps there is need of it, to prepare men to
digest such stuffe as follows after,) you shall here finde them in the
end, for whosoever reades the rest so farre, shall perceive that there
is no occasion to use them to that purpose; yet there they are, as an
attestation for their sakes that knew not so much before, to let them
see how much honour was attributed to this worthy man, by those that
are capable to give it. _Farewell. _
[The Printer _&c. _ _1633-49:_ _om. 1650-69, which substitute
Dedication_ To the _&c. _ (_p. _ 4)]
[2 you: _1635-49:_ you, _1633_]
[The Printer to the Vnderstanders. _1635-69:_ The Printer to
the Reader. _1633. See note_]
[28 here _1635-69: om. 1633_ (. . . you shall here finde them in
the end,. . . )]
_Hexastichon Bibliopolae. _
I see in his last preach'd, and printed Booke,
His Picture in a sheet; in _Pauls_ I looke,
And see his Statue in a sheete of stone,
And sure his body in the grave hath one:
Those sheetes present him dead, these if you buy,
You have him living to Eternity.
JO. MAR.
[Hexastichon Bibliopolae. _1633-69_]
Hexastichon ad Bibliopolam.
Incerti.
_In thy Impression of_ Donnes _Poems rare,
For his Eternitie thou hast ta'ne care:
'Twas well, and pious; And for ever may
He live: Yet shew I thee a better way;
Print but his Sermons, and if those we buy,
He, We, and Thou shall live t' Eternity. _
[Hexastichon ad Bibliopolam. _1635-69_]
_Dedication to the Edition of 1650. _
To the Right Honourable
_William_ Lord _Craven_ Baron of
_Hamsted-Marsham_.
_My Lord_,
Many of these Poems have, for severall impressions, wandred up and
down trusting (as well they might) upon the Authors reputation;
neither do they now complain of any injury but what may proceed either
from the kindnesse of the Printer, or the curtesie of the Reader; the
one by adding something too much, lest any spark of this sacred fire
might perish undiscerned, the other by putting such an estimation upon
the wit & fancy they find here, that they are content to use it
as their own: as if a man should dig out the stones of a royall
Amphitheatre to build a stage for a countrey show. Amongst all the
monsters this unlucky age has teemed with, I finde none so prodigious,
as the Poets of these later times, wherein men as if they would level
understandings too as well as estates, acknowledging no inequality of
parts and Judgements, pretend as indifferently to the chaire of wit as
to the Pulpit, & conceive themselves no lesse inspired with the spirit
of Poetry then with that of Religion: so it is not onely the noise of
Drums and Trumpets which have drowned the Muses harmony, or the feare
that the Churches ruine wil destroy their Priests likewise, that now
frights them from this Countrey, where they have been so ingenuously
received, but these rude pretenders to excellencies they unjustly
own who profanely rushing into _Minervaes_ Temple, with noysome Ayres
blast the lawrell w^{ch} thunder cannot hurt. In this sad condition
these learned sisters are fled over to beg your L^{ps}. protection,
who have been so certain a patron both to arts and armes, and who in
this generall confusion have so intirely preserved your Honour, that
in your Lordship we may still read a most perfect character of what
_England_ was in all her pompe and greatnesse, so that although these
poems were formerly written upon severall occasions, and to severall
persons, they now unite themselves, and are become one pyramid to set
your Lordships statue upon, where you may stand like Armed _Apollo_
the defendor of the Muses, encouraging the Poets now alive to
celebrate your great Acts by affording your countenance to his poems
that wanted onely so noble a subject.
My Lord,
_Your most humble servant_
JOHN DONNE.
[To the _&c. _ _1650-69_]
TO JOHN DONNE.
Donne, _the delight of Phoebus, and each Muse,
Who, to thy one, all other braines refuse;
Whose every work, of thy most early wit,
Came forth example, and remaines so, yet:
Longer a knowing, than most wits doe live;
And which no'n affection praise enough can give!
To it, thy language, letters, arts, best life,
Which might with halfe mankind maintain a strife;
All which I mean to praise, and, yet, I would;
But leave, because I cannot as I should_!
B. JONS.
[To John Donne. _1650-69, following the_ Hexastichon ad
Bibliopolam. ]
To LUCY, COUNTESSE OF BEDFORD, with M. DONNES Satyres.
_Lucy_, you brightnesse of our Spheare, who are
Life of the _Muses_ day, their morning Starre!
If works (not th'Authors) their own grace should look
Whose poems would not wish to be your book?
But these, desir'd by you, the makers ends
Crown with their own. Rare Poems ask rare friends.
Yet, _Satyres_, since the most of mankind bee
Their unavoided subject, fewest see:
For none ere took that pleasure in sins sense,
But, when they heard it tax'd, took more offence.
They, then, that living where the matter is bred,
Dare for these Poems, yet, both ask, and read,
And like them too; must needfully, though few,
Be of the best: and 'mongst those best are you;
_Lucy_, you brightnefle of our Spheare, who are
The _Muses_ evening, as their morning-Starre.
B. JON.
TO JOHN DONNE.
Who shall doubt, _Donne_, where I a _Poet_ bee,
When I dare send my _Epigrammes_ to thee?
That so alone canst judge, so'alone do'st make:
And, in thy censures, evenly, dost take
As free simplicity, to dis-avow,
As thou hast best authority, t'allow.
Read all I send: and, if I finde but one
Mark'd by thy hand, and with the better stone,
My title's seal'd. Those that for claps doe write,
Let punees, porters, players praise delight,
And, till they burst, their backs, like asses load:
A man should seek great glory, and not broad.
B. JON.
[To Lucy _&c. _ To John Donne _&c. _ _1650-69, in sheets added
1650_. _See_ Text and Canon _&c. _]
[Illustration: JOHN DONNE
From the engraving prefixed to the Poems in the Editions of 1635,
1639, 1649, 1650, 1654]
SONGS _AND_ SONETS.
_The good-morrow. _
I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I
Did, till we lov'd? were we not wean'd till then?
But suck'd on countrey pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the seaven sleepers den?
T'was so; But this, all pleasures fancies bee. 5
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desir'd, and got, t'was but a dreame of thee.
And now good morrow to our waking soules,
Which watch not one another out of feare;
For love, all love of other sights controules, 10
And makes one little roome, an every where.
Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Let Maps to other, worlds on worlds have showne,
Let us possesse one world, each hath one, and is one.
My face in thine eye, thine in mine appeares, 15
And true plaine hearts doe in the faces rest,
Where can we finde two better hemispheares
Without sharpe North, without declining West?
What ever dyes, was not mixt equally;
If our two loves be one, or, thou and I 20
Love so alike, that none doe slacken, none can die.
Valẽtine; P. 141, l. 8. whẽ; P. 150, l. 16. thẽ; P. 159, l.
30. strãge; P. 169, l. 31. whõ; P. 257, l. 210. successiõ; P. 266, l.
513. anciẽt; P. 305, l. 255. thẽ; P. 336, l. 10. whẽ; P. 343,
l. 126. Frõ; P. 345, l. 169. thẽ; P. 387, l. 71. Pẽbrooke.
There are a few examples of the same changes in the poems printed from
the later editions, but I have not reproduced any of these editions so
completely as 1633, every poem in which, with the exception of Basse's
_An Epitaph upon Shakespeare_ (1633. p. 149 i. e. 165) has been here
reprinted.
CONTENTS OF VOL. I
SOURCE PAGE
1633 THE PRINTER TO THE UNDERSTANDERS 1
1633 HEXASTICHON BIBLIOPOLAE 3
1635 HEXASTICHON AD BIBLIOPOLAM 3
1650 DEDICATION TO THE EDITION OF 1650 4
1650 TO JOHN DONNE 5
1650 TO LUCY, COUNTESSE OF BEDFORD, WITH M. DONNES SATYRES 6
1650 TO JOHN DONNE 6
SONGS AND SONETS
1633 195 The good-morrow 7
196-7 Song 8
197-8 Womans constancy 9
198-9 The undertaking 10
199-200 The Sunne Rising 11
200-1 The Indifferent 12
201-2 Loves Vsury 13
202-4 The Canonization 14
204-5 The triple Foole 16
205-6 Lovers infiniteness 17
206-8 Song 18
208-9 The Legacie 20
209-10 A Feaver 21
211-12 Aire and Angels 22
212 Breake of day 23
213-14 The Anniversarie 24
214-17 A Valediction: of my name, in the window 25
218-19 Twicknam garden 28
219-21 A Valediction: of the booke 29
222 Communitie 32
223-4 Loves growth 33
224-5 Loves exchange 34
226 Confined Love 36
227 The Dreame 37
228-9 A Valediction: of weeping 38
229-30 Loves Alchymie 39
230-1 The Flea 40
231-2 The Curse 41
186 The Message 43
187-8 A nocturnall upon S. Lucies day, Being
the shortest day 44
189 Witchcraft by a picture 45
190-1 The Baite 46
191 The Apparition 47
192-3 The broken heart 48
193-4 A Valediction: forbidding mourning 49
277-80 The Extasie 51
280-1 Loves Deitie 54
281-2 Loves diet 55
283-5 The Will 56
285-6 The Funerall 58
286-7 The Blossome 59
288-9 The Primrose, being at Montgomery Castle,
upon the hill, on which it is situate 61
289-90 The Relique 62
290-1 The Dampe 63
291-2 The Dissolution 64
292-3 A Ieat Ring sent 65
293 Negative love 66
294 The Prohibition 67
295 The Expiration 68
295 The Computation 69
302 The Paradox 69
1635 63-4 Farewell to love 70
66-7 A Lecture upon the Shadow 71
1650 264-5 Sonnet. The Token 72
391-2 <Selfe Love> He that cannot chuse but love 73
EPIGRAMS
1633 40 Hero and Leander 75
40 Pyramus and Thisbe 75
40 Niobe 75
41 A burnt ship 75
41 Fall of a wall 76
41 A lame begger 76
Westmoreland MS. Cales and Guyana 76
" MS. Sir Iohn Wingefield 76
1633 41 A selfe accuser 76
42 A licentious person 77
42 Antiquary 77
42 Disinherited 77
42 Phryne 77
42 An obscure writer 77
42 Klockius 77
43 Raderus 78
43 Mercurius Gallo-Belgicus 78
43 Ralphius 78
Westmoreland MS. The Lier 78
ELEGIES
1633 44-5 I. Iealosie 79
45-7 II. The Anagram 80
47-8 III. Change 82
49-51 IV. The Perfume 84
51-2 V. His Picture 86
53-5 VI. Oh, let mee not 87
55-6 VII. Natures lay Ideot 89
149-50 VIII. The Comparison 90
151-2 IX. The Autumnall 92
153 X. The Dreame 95
1635 89-93 XI. The Bracelet 96
1669 86-9 XII. His parting from her 100
1635 96-7 XIII. Iulia 104
98-100 XIV. A Tale of a Citizen and his Wife 105
1633 300-2 XV. The Expostulation 108
1635 269-70 XVI. On his Mistris 111
1650 388-90 XVII. Variety 113
1669 94-7 XVIII. Loves Progress 116
97-9 XIX. Going to Bed 119
Westmoreland MS. XX. Loves Warr 122
1633 166-8 HEROICALL EPISTLE: Sapho to Philænis 124
EPITHALAMIONS, OR MARRIAGE SONGS
1633 118-22 An Epithalamion, Or marriage Song on the
Lady Elizabeth, and Count Palatine being
married on St. Valentines day 127
123-27 Eclogue. 1613. December 26 131
127-35 Epithalamion 135
135-8 Epithalamion made at Lincolnes Inne 141
SATYRES
1633 325-8 Satyre I 145
329-32 Satyre II 149
333-6 Satyre III 154
337-45 Satyre IIII 158
346-9 Satyre V 168
1650 262-4 Vpon Mr. Thomas Coryats Crudities 172
_Coryats Crudities_ In eundem Macaronicon 174
LETTERS TO SEVERALL PERSONAGES
1633 56-9 The Storme 175
59-61 The Calme 178
61-3 To S^r Henry Wotton. Sir, more then kisses 180
72-4 To S^r Henry Goodyere. Who makes the Past 183
74-5 To M^r Rowland Woodward. Like one who 185
76-7 To S^r Henry Wootton. Here's no more newes 187
Burley MS. H: W: in Hiber: belligeranti 188
1633 77-9 To the Countesse of Bedford. Madame, Reason is 189
79-82 To the Countesse of Bedford. Madame, You
have refin'd 191
82-4 To S^r Edward Herbert, at Iulyers. Man is a lumpe 193
84-7 To the Countesse of Bedford. T'have written then 195
87-90 To the Countesse of Bedford. This twilight of 198
90-3 To the Countesse of Huntingdon. Madame,
Man to Gods image 201
93-4 To M^r T. W. All haile sweet Poët 203
95 To M^r T. W. Hast thee harsh verse 205
95-6 To M^r T. W. Pregnant again 206
96 To M^r T. W. At once, from 206
Westmoreland MS. To M^r R. W. Zealously my Muse 207
" MS. To M^r R. W. Muse not that by 207
1633 97 To M^r C. B. Thy friend, whom 208
Westmoreland MS. To M^r E. G. Even as lame things 208
1633 100-1 To M^r R. W. If, as mine is 209
Westmoreland MS. To M^r R. W. Kindly I envy 210
1633 98 To M^r S. B. O Thou which 211
101 To M^r I. L. Of that short 212
99-100 To M^r B. B. Is not thy sacred 212
102 To M^r I. L. Blest are your 213
104-5 To Sir H. W. at his going Ambassador to Venice 214
106-8 To M^rs M. H. Mad paper stay 216
108-10 To the Countesse of Bedford. Honour is so 218
111 To the Countesse of Bedford. Though I be dead 220
112-13 A Letter to the Lady Carey, and M^rs Essex
Riche, From Amyens. Madame, Here where 221
115-18 To the Countesse of Salisbury. August. 1614 224
298-9 To the Lady Bedford. You that are she 227
AN ANATOMIE OF THE WORLD
1633 233-5 To the praise of the dead 229
235-51 The first Anniversary 231
252-5 A Funerall Elegie 245
OF THE PROGRESSE OF THE SOULE
1633 257-9 The Harbinger to the Progresse 249
260-77 The second Anniversarie 251
EPICEDES AND OBSEQUIES UPON THE
DEATHS OF SUNDRY PERSONAGES
1633 154-7 Elegie upon the untimely death of the
incomparable Prince Henry 267
139 To the Countesse of Bedford. _Letter introducing_ 270
140-8 Obsequies to the Lord Harrington, brother to
the Lady Lucy, Countesse of Bedford 271
66-8 Elegie on the Lady Marckham 279
69-71 Elegie on M^{ris} Boulstred 282
296-8 Elegie. Death 284
52-3 Elegie on the L. C. 287
162-3 An hymne to the Saints, and to Marquesse
Hamylton 288
EPITAPHS
1635 271 On himselfe 291
386-7 Omnibus 292
1633 before p. 1 INFINITATI SACRUM
Epistle 293
1-27 The Progresse of the Soule 295
DIVINE POEMS
1633 103 To E. of D. with six holy Sonnets 317
Walton's _Life of }To the Lady Magdalen Herbert: of St. Mary
M^r George Herbert_} Magdalen 317
HOLY SONNETS
1633 28 _La Corona_ 318
28-9 Annunciation 319
29 Nativitie 319
30 Temple 320
30-1 Crucifying 320
31 Resurrection 321
31-2 Ascention 321
_Holy Sonnets_
1635 331-2 I. Thou hast made me 322
1633 32 II. As due by many titles 322
1635 333 III. O might those sighes and teares 323
1633 33 IV. Oh my blacke Soule 323
1635 334 V. I am a little world 324
1633 33-4 VI. This is my playes last scene 324
34 VII. At the round earths imagin'd corners 325
1635 336 VIII. If faithfull soules be alike glorifi'd 325
1633 35 IX. If poysonous mineralls 326
35-6 X. Death be not proud 326
36 XI. Spit in my face you Jewes 327
37 XII. Why are wee by all creatures waited on? 327
37-8 XIII. What if this present were the worlds last
night? 328
38 XIV. Batter my heart 328
39 XV. Wilt thou love God, as he thee! 329
39-40 XVI. Father, part of his double interest 329
Westmoreland MS. XVII. Since she whom I lov'd hath payd
her last debt 330
" MS. XVIII. Show me deare Christ, thy spouse 330
" MS. XIX. Oh, to vex me, contraryes meet in one 331
1633 64-6 The Crosse 331
161-2 Resurrection, imperfect 333
168-9 The Annuntiation and Passion 334
170-1 Goodfriday, 1613. Riding Westward 336
172-85 THE LITANIE 338
1635 366-8 Vpon the translation of the Psalmes by Sir
Philip Sydney, and the Countesse of Pembroke
his Sister 348
368 Ode: Of our Sense of Sinne 350
369-70 To M^r Tilman after he had taken orders 351
1633 304-5 A Hymne to Christ, at the Authors last going
into Germany 352
306-23 The Lamentations of Ieremy, for the most part
according to Tremelius 354
1635 387-8 Hymne to God my God, in my sicknesse 368
1633 350 A Hymne to God the Father 369
Trinity College, Dublin, MS. To Christ 370
ELEGIES UPON THE AUTHOR 371
APPENDIX A
LATIN POEMS AND TRANSLATIONS
1635 278 De libro cum mutuaretur &c. 397
278 <Epigramma> 397
1650 370-1 Amicissimo, & meritissimo, Ben Jonson 398
378 To M^r George Herbert, with one of my Seals 398
379 A sheafe of Snakes used 399
385 Translated out of Gazæus 401
APPENDIX B
POEMS ATTRIBUTED TO JOHN DONNE IN THE OLD EDITIONS
(1633-1669) AND THE PRINCIPAL MS. COLLECTIONS,
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THEIR PROBABLE AUTHOR.
I
POEMS. Probably by Sir John Roe, Knt.
1669 130-42 To S^r Nicholas Smyth. Sleep, next society 401
1635 146-7 Satyre. Men write that love and reason
disagree 406
93-5 An Elegie. Come, Fates; I feare you not 407
Hawthornden MS. An Elegie to M^{ris} Boulstred: 1602 410
Addl. MS. 10309 An Elegie. True love findes witt 412
1635 65-6 Song. Deare Love, continue 412
208-9 To Ben. Iohnson, 6 Ian. 1603 414
207-8 To Ben. Iohnson, 9. Novembris, 1603 415
209-10 To S^r Tho. Roe. 1603 416
II
1635 191-5 To the Countesse of Huntington.
That unripe side of earth 417
III
1635 272 Elegie.
Death be not proud 422
IV
1635 157-61 Psalme 137. Probably by Francis Davison.
By Euphrates Flowry side 424
V
1635 342 On the blessed Virgin Mary. Probably by
Henry Constable 427
VI
1635 372 On the Sacrament 427
VII
Stowe MS. 961 Absence. Absence, heare my protestation 428
Probably by John Hoskins.
VIII
1635 62 Song. Soules joy. Probably by the Earl of
Pembroke 429
195-6 A Dialogue 430
IX
1669 17 Break of Daye.
Stay, O sweet 432
Probably by John Dowlands.
APPENDIX C
Addl. MS.
25707 A Letter written by S^r H: G: and J: D:
alternis vicibus 433
Addl. MS. 25707 O Frutefull Garden 434
To my Lord of Pembroke 435
Of a Lady in the Black Masque 436
Burley MS. <Life. > 437
<My Love. > 437
<O Eyes! > 438
<Silence Best Praise. > 439
<Beauty in Little Room. > 440
<Loves Zodiake. > 440
<Fortune, Love, and Time. > 440
<Life a Play. > 441
A Kisse 441
Epi: B: Jo: 443
Epi: Hen: Princ: Hug^o Holland 443
O'Flaherty MS. <The Annuntiation. Additional Lines. > 443
Elegy. To Chast Love 445
Upon his scornefull Mistresse. Elegy 446
Lansdowne MS. 740 <Absence. > 447
<Tongue-tied Love. > 447
O'Flaherty MS. <Love, if a God thou art. > 448
<Great Lord of Love. > 448
<Loves Exchange. > 449
Song. Now y'have killd 450
Stowe MS. 961 Love, bred of glances 450
Bridgewater MS. To a Watch restored to its Mystres<se> 451
Egerton MS. <Ad Solem. > 451
Stephens MS. <If She Deride. > 452
<Fortune Never Fails. > 453
To His Mistress 455
Stowe MS. 961 A Paradoxe of a Painted Face 456
Sonnett. Madam that flea 459
Addl. MS. 11811 On Black Hayre and Eyes 460
Phillipps MS. Fragment of an Elegy 462
Walton's _Compleat Angler_ <Farewel, ye guilded follies. > 465
INDEX OF FIRST LINES 469
PLATES
John Donne, from the engraving prefixed to the _Poems_, 1635
_face page_ 7
John Donne, 1613, from an engraving prefixed to the prose
_Letters &c. _, 1651 _face page_ 175
John Donne, from the frontispiece to _Death's Duel_, 1632
_face page_ 369
LIST OF EDITIONS REGULARLY CITED IN NOTES.
_1633_, _1635_, _1639_, _1650_, _1654_, _1669_.
Contractions:
_1633-54_ i. e. All editions between and including these dates.
_1633-69_ i. e. All the editions.
Etc.
EDITIONS OCCASIONALLY CITED.
_1649_, in lists of editions and MSS. appended to poems first
published in that edition. Textually it is identical with
_1650-54_.
_1719_, Tonson's edition.
_1855_, The Boston edition of that year--cited once.
_Grosart_, A. B. Grosart's edition of 1872-3.
_Grolier_, The Grolier Club edition of Professor Norton and
Mrs. Burnett, 1895.
_Chambers_, Mr. E. K. Chambers' edition of 1896.
LIST OF MS. SIGLA
_A10_ Additional MS. 10,309, British Museum.
_A11_ " " 11,811, "
_A18_ " " 18,646, "
_A23_ " " 23,229, "
_A25_ " " 25,707, "
_A34_ " " 34,744, "
_Ash 38_ Ashmole MS. 38, Bodleian Library.
_B_ Bridgewater MS. , Bridgewater House.
_Bur_ Burley MS. , formerly at Burley-on-the-Hill House, Rutland.
_C_ Cambridge University Library MS.
_Cy_ Carnaby MS. , Harvard College.
_D_ Dowden MS. , belonging to Professor Edward Dowden.
_E20_ Egerton MS. 2013, British Museum.
_E22_ " " 2230, "
_G_ Gosse MS. of _Metempsychosis_, belonging to Mr. Edmund Gosse.
_H39_ Harleian MS. 3910, British Museum.
_H40_ " " 4064, "
_H49_ " " 4944, "
_H51_ " " 5110, "
_HN_ Hawthornden MS. , Library of Society of Antiquaries, Edinburgh.
_JC_ John Cave MS. , belonging to Mr. Elkin Mathews.
_L74_ Lansdowne MS. 740, British Museum.
_L77_ " " 777, "
_Lec_ Leconfield MS. , at Petworth House.
_M_ Monckton-Milnes MS. , belonging to the Marquis of Crewe.
_N_ Norton MS. , Harvard College.
_O'F_ O'Flaherty MS. , Harvard College.
_P_ Phillipps MS. , belonging to Captain C. Shirley Harris.
_Q_ Queen's College MS. , Queen's College, Oxford.
_RP31_ Rawlinson Poetical MS. 31, Bodleian Library, Oxford.
_RP61_ " " " 61 " " "
_S_ Stephens MS. , Harvard College.
_S96_ Stowe MS. 961, British Museum.
_TCC_ Trinity College, Cambridge, MS.
_TCD_ Trinity College, Dublin, MS. G. 2. 21.
_TCD_ (II) A second collection of poems in the same MS.
_W_ Westmoreland MS. , belonging to Mr. Edmund Gosse.
The following groups are important:--
_D_, _H49_, _Lec_,
and
_A18_, _N_, _TC_, where _TC_ represents _TCC_ and _TCD_
THE PRINTER
TO THE
UNDERSTANDERS.
For this time I must speake only to you: at another, _Readers_ may
perchance serve my turne; and I thinke this a way very free from
exception, in hope that very few will have a minde to confesse
themselves ignorant.
If you looke for an Epistle, as you have before ordinary publications,
I am sory that I must deceive you; but you will not lay it to my
charge, when you shall consider that this is not ordinary, for if I
should say it were the best in this kinde, that ever this Kingdome
hath yet seene; he that would doubt of it must goe out of the Kingdome
to enforme himselfe, for the best judgments, within it, take it for
granted.
You may imagine (if it please you) that I could endeare it unto
you, by saying, that importunity drew it on; that had it not beene
presented here, it would have come to us from beyond the Seas; (which
perhaps is true enough,) That my charge and paines in procuring of
it hath beene such, and such. I could adde hereto, a promise of more
correctnesse, or enlargement in the next Edition, if you shall in the
meane time content you with this. But these things are so common, as
that I should profane this Peece by applying them to it; A Peece
which who so takes not as he findes it, in what manner soever, he
is unworthy of it, sith a scattered limbe of this Author, hath more
amiablenesse in it, in the eye of a discerner, then a whole body of
some other; Or, (to expresse him best by himselfe)
[Sidenote: _In the Storme. _]
--_A hand, or eye,
By_ Hilyard _drawne, is worth a history
By a worse Painter made_;--
If any man (thinking I speake this to enflame him for the vent of
the Impression) be of another opinion, I shall as willingly spare his
money as his judgement. I cannot lose so much by him as hee will by
himselfe. For I shall satisfie my selfe with the conscience of well
doing, in making so much good common.
Howsoever it may appeare to you, it shall suffice mee to enforme you,
that it hath the best warrant that can bee, publique authority, and
private friends.
There is one thing more wherein I will make you of my counsell, and
that is, That whereas it hath pleased some, who had studyed and did
admire him, to offer to the memory of the Author, not long after his
decease, I have thought I should do you service in presenting them
unto you now; onely whereas, had I placed them in the beginning, they
might have serv'd for so many Encomiums of the Author (as is usuall
in other workes, where perhaps there is need of it, to prepare men to
digest such stuffe as follows after,) you shall here finde them in the
end, for whosoever reades the rest so farre, shall perceive that there
is no occasion to use them to that purpose; yet there they are, as an
attestation for their sakes that knew not so much before, to let them
see how much honour was attributed to this worthy man, by those that
are capable to give it. _Farewell. _
[The Printer _&c. _ _1633-49:_ _om. 1650-69, which substitute
Dedication_ To the _&c. _ (_p. _ 4)]
[2 you: _1635-49:_ you, _1633_]
[The Printer to the Vnderstanders. _1635-69:_ The Printer to
the Reader. _1633. See note_]
[28 here _1635-69: om. 1633_ (. . . you shall here finde them in
the end,. . . )]
_Hexastichon Bibliopolae. _
I see in his last preach'd, and printed Booke,
His Picture in a sheet; in _Pauls_ I looke,
And see his Statue in a sheete of stone,
And sure his body in the grave hath one:
Those sheetes present him dead, these if you buy,
You have him living to Eternity.
JO. MAR.
[Hexastichon Bibliopolae. _1633-69_]
Hexastichon ad Bibliopolam.
Incerti.
_In thy Impression of_ Donnes _Poems rare,
For his Eternitie thou hast ta'ne care:
'Twas well, and pious; And for ever may
He live: Yet shew I thee a better way;
Print but his Sermons, and if those we buy,
He, We, and Thou shall live t' Eternity. _
[Hexastichon ad Bibliopolam. _1635-69_]
_Dedication to the Edition of 1650. _
To the Right Honourable
_William_ Lord _Craven_ Baron of
_Hamsted-Marsham_.
_My Lord_,
Many of these Poems have, for severall impressions, wandred up and
down trusting (as well they might) upon the Authors reputation;
neither do they now complain of any injury but what may proceed either
from the kindnesse of the Printer, or the curtesie of the Reader; the
one by adding something too much, lest any spark of this sacred fire
might perish undiscerned, the other by putting such an estimation upon
the wit & fancy they find here, that they are content to use it
as their own: as if a man should dig out the stones of a royall
Amphitheatre to build a stage for a countrey show. Amongst all the
monsters this unlucky age has teemed with, I finde none so prodigious,
as the Poets of these later times, wherein men as if they would level
understandings too as well as estates, acknowledging no inequality of
parts and Judgements, pretend as indifferently to the chaire of wit as
to the Pulpit, & conceive themselves no lesse inspired with the spirit
of Poetry then with that of Religion: so it is not onely the noise of
Drums and Trumpets which have drowned the Muses harmony, or the feare
that the Churches ruine wil destroy their Priests likewise, that now
frights them from this Countrey, where they have been so ingenuously
received, but these rude pretenders to excellencies they unjustly
own who profanely rushing into _Minervaes_ Temple, with noysome Ayres
blast the lawrell w^{ch} thunder cannot hurt. In this sad condition
these learned sisters are fled over to beg your L^{ps}. protection,
who have been so certain a patron both to arts and armes, and who in
this generall confusion have so intirely preserved your Honour, that
in your Lordship we may still read a most perfect character of what
_England_ was in all her pompe and greatnesse, so that although these
poems were formerly written upon severall occasions, and to severall
persons, they now unite themselves, and are become one pyramid to set
your Lordships statue upon, where you may stand like Armed _Apollo_
the defendor of the Muses, encouraging the Poets now alive to
celebrate your great Acts by affording your countenance to his poems
that wanted onely so noble a subject.
My Lord,
_Your most humble servant_
JOHN DONNE.
[To the _&c. _ _1650-69_]
TO JOHN DONNE.
Donne, _the delight of Phoebus, and each Muse,
Who, to thy one, all other braines refuse;
Whose every work, of thy most early wit,
Came forth example, and remaines so, yet:
Longer a knowing, than most wits doe live;
And which no'n affection praise enough can give!
To it, thy language, letters, arts, best life,
Which might with halfe mankind maintain a strife;
All which I mean to praise, and, yet, I would;
But leave, because I cannot as I should_!
B. JONS.
[To John Donne. _1650-69, following the_ Hexastichon ad
Bibliopolam. ]
To LUCY, COUNTESSE OF BEDFORD, with M. DONNES Satyres.
_Lucy_, you brightnesse of our Spheare, who are
Life of the _Muses_ day, their morning Starre!
If works (not th'Authors) their own grace should look
Whose poems would not wish to be your book?
But these, desir'd by you, the makers ends
Crown with their own. Rare Poems ask rare friends.
Yet, _Satyres_, since the most of mankind bee
Their unavoided subject, fewest see:
For none ere took that pleasure in sins sense,
But, when they heard it tax'd, took more offence.
They, then, that living where the matter is bred,
Dare for these Poems, yet, both ask, and read,
And like them too; must needfully, though few,
Be of the best: and 'mongst those best are you;
_Lucy_, you brightnefle of our Spheare, who are
The _Muses_ evening, as their morning-Starre.
B. JON.
TO JOHN DONNE.
Who shall doubt, _Donne_, where I a _Poet_ bee,
When I dare send my _Epigrammes_ to thee?
That so alone canst judge, so'alone do'st make:
And, in thy censures, evenly, dost take
As free simplicity, to dis-avow,
As thou hast best authority, t'allow.
Read all I send: and, if I finde but one
Mark'd by thy hand, and with the better stone,
My title's seal'd. Those that for claps doe write,
Let punees, porters, players praise delight,
And, till they burst, their backs, like asses load:
A man should seek great glory, and not broad.
B. JON.
[To Lucy _&c. _ To John Donne _&c. _ _1650-69, in sheets added
1650_. _See_ Text and Canon _&c. _]
[Illustration: JOHN DONNE
From the engraving prefixed to the Poems in the Editions of 1635,
1639, 1649, 1650, 1654]
SONGS _AND_ SONETS.
_The good-morrow. _
I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I
Did, till we lov'd? were we not wean'd till then?
But suck'd on countrey pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the seaven sleepers den?
T'was so; But this, all pleasures fancies bee. 5
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desir'd, and got, t'was but a dreame of thee.
And now good morrow to our waking soules,
Which watch not one another out of feare;
For love, all love of other sights controules, 10
And makes one little roome, an every where.
Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Let Maps to other, worlds on worlds have showne,
Let us possesse one world, each hath one, and is one.
My face in thine eye, thine in mine appeares, 15
And true plaine hearts doe in the faces rest,
Where can we finde two better hemispheares
Without sharpe North, without declining West?
What ever dyes, was not mixt equally;
If our two loves be one, or, thou and I 20
Love so alike, that none doe slacken, none can die.
