The Repulse to Alcander

The Repulse to Alcander

Original Text
Sarah Fyge Egerton, Poems on Several Occasions (1703) (Delmar: Scholars' Facsimiles and Reprints, 1987), pp. 25-27. PR 3431 E3P6 1987 Robarts Library.
1What is't you mean, that I am thus approach'd,
2Dare you to hope, that I may be debauch'd?
3For your seducing Words the same implies,
4In begging Pity with a soft Surprise,
5For one who loves, and sighs, and almost dies.
6In ev'ry Word and Action doth appear,
7Something I hate and blush to see or hear;
8At first your Love for vast Respect was told,
9Till your excess of Manners grew too bold,
10And did your base, designing Thoughts unfold.
12With too much Ardour you'd my Lips pursue;
13My Hand, with which you play'd, you'd Kiss and Press,
14Nay, ev'ry Look had something of Address.
15Ye Gods! I cry'd, sure he designs to woo,
16For thus did amorous Phylaster do.
17The Youth whose Passion none could disapprove,
19But now, when sacred Laws and Vows confine
20Me to another, what can you design?
21At first, I could not see the lewd Abuse,
22But fram'd a thousand Things for your Excuse.
24A sudden Transport, tho' not lasting Fire;
26And force a Fondness which was ne'er design'd;
27Or thought you'd travel'd far, and it might chance,
29Till you so oft your amorous Crimes repeat,
30That to permit you would make mine as great;
31Nor stopt you here but languishingly spake,
32That Love which I endeavour'd to mistake:
33What saw you in me, that could make you vain,
34Or any thing expect, but just Disdain?
35I must confess I am not quite so Nice,
36To Damn all little Gallantries for Vice
37(But I see now my Charity's misplac'd,
38If none but sullen Saints can be thought Chaste):
39Yet know, Base Man, I scorn your lewd Amours,
40Hate them from all, not only 'cause they're yours.
41Oh sacred Love! let not the World profane
42Thy Transports, thus to Sport, and Entertain;
43The Beau, with some small Artifice of's own,
44Can make a Treat, for all the wanton Town:
45I thought my self secure, within these Shades,
46But your rude Love, my privacy invades,
47Affronts my Virtue, hazards my just Fame,
48Why should I suffer, for your lawless Flame?
49For oft 'tis known, through Vanity and Pride,
50Men boast those Favours which they are deny'd;
51Or other's Malice, which can soon discern;
52Perhaps may see in you some kind Concern.
53So scatter false Suggestions of their own,
54That I love too: Oh! Stain to my Renown;
55No, I'll be Wise, avoid your Sight in time,
56And shun at once the Censure and the Crime.

Notes

11] Salute: a gesture of greeting. Back to Line
18] Hymen: Greek god of marriage. Back to Line
23] Bacchus: Greek god of wine. Back to Line
25] Cupid: Roman god of erotic love. Back to Line
28] Complaisance: a willingness to please. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1703
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
RPO 1998.