If that this Book, without Command,
May chance (Great Sir) to kiss your Hand,
Vouchsafe one smile, my bashful Muse
Will then grow bold, no more refuse
To bear Loves Standard, and defie
All force, but from a Female Eye.
The vigorous God of Love dares say,
That Mighty Kings his Power obey;
And that his force is felt by all,
The Rich, the Poor, the Great, the Small,
None are exempt, he conquers all.
The Gods themselves his Vassals be;
Apollo's Love became his Tree.
Jove was a Bull, although Divine;
And Pluto's Love was Proserpine.
And you (Dread Sir,) more Great, we know
Have felt the power of Cupid's Bow.
And may you always in the Night,
Be fill'd with Venus's delight;
And in the day have choice of Pleasure,
Which may in sum out-vie your Treasure;
Which grant, O Heaven, so great may be,
That one small Bag may come to me.