Poems (Philips)/A retired Friendship, to Ardelia

A retir'd Friendship: To Ardelia.

I.
Come, my Ardelia, to this Bow'r,
Where kindly mingling Souls awhile
Let's innocently spend an Hour,
And at all serious Follies smile.

II.
Here is no quarrelling for Crowns,
Nor fear of changes in our Fate;
No trembling at the great ones Frowns,
Nor any Slavery of State.

III.
Here's no Disguise nor Treachery,
Nor any deep-conceal'd Design;
From Blood and Plots this Place is free,
And calm as are those Looks of thine.

IV.
Here let us sit and bless our Stars,
Who did such happy Quiet give,
As that remov'd from Noise of Wars
In one anothers Hearts we live.

V.
Why should we entertain a Fear?
Love cares not how the World is turn'd:
If crouds of Dangers shou'd appear,
Yet Friendship can be unconcern'd.

VI.
We wear about us such a Charm,
No Horror can be our Offence;
For Mischief's self can do no harm
To Friendship, or to Innocence.

VII
Let's mark how soon Apollo's Beams
Command the Flocks to quit their Meat,
And not entreat the neighb'ring Streams
To quench their Thirst, but cool their Heat.

VIII.
In such a scorching Age as this
Who would not ever seek a Shade,
Deserve their Happiness to miss,
As having their own Peace betray'd.

IX.
But we (of one another's Mind
Assur'd) the boist'rous World disdain;
With quiet Souls, and unconfin'd,
Enjoy what Princes wish in vain.