MS. Fairfax 40. 281 



[p. 598] To the Lady Gary 



Vpon her Verses on my deare Wife 



Madam 



Could I a Tribute of m}' thanks express 

 As you haue done in loue & purer Verse 

 On my best selfe then I might Justly raise 

 Your Elogy t'Encomiums of your Prayse 

 And see forgett the Svibiect that did moue 

 Me to a thankfulnes as't did you to loue 



A. 



t'were to great a Crime but pray allow 

 Wher I fall short but you haue reached to 

 Makinge that Good wisest of Kings hath said 

 Th' Liuing's not soe Preyse-worthy then the dead 



1 thinke the Reason's this itts grounded on 

 'Cause Mercys are not priz'd till they are gone 



[p. 599] O had not hopes surpast my grosser sence 

 My loss Could not haue had a recompence 

 Yett such an Influence hath your happy straine 

 To bring my buried Joy to life againe 

 Vertue Goodnes Loue things hiiortalize 

 The better part when as the other dies 

 True, Soules in Bodyes haue ther being here 

 But Loues in Soules haue ther ther proper Sphere 

 Then is true loue Compos'd of Nobler fyers 

 Then to extinguish when the Life expires 

 Butt to Conclude Madam me think you 'spire 

 In humblest Thoughts to raise your Trophys higher 

 Then Her's you would attend in gelid Mould 

 W^h for her Friend the lodging seemes too Could 



fp. GOO] But were itt soe itt my good haj^p might bee 

 To lye next Her, To you our Quire is free 



fj). GOO] On the Fatal day 



Jan: 30 1648 



Oh lett that Day from time be blotted quitt 

 And lett beleefe oft in next Age be waned 

 In deepest silence th' Act Concealed might 

 Soe that the King-doms Credit might be saued 



