Orinda upon Little Hector Philips
Orinda upon Little Hector Philips
Original Text
Katherine Philips, Poems (1667): 148-49; A Facsimile Reproduction with an Introduction by Travis Dupriest (Delmar, New York: Scholars' Facsimiles and Reprints, 1992). PR 3619 P4P64 1992. E-10 4168 Fisher Rare Book Library
##
1Twice forty months of Wedlock did I stay,2 Then had my vows crown'd with a Lovely boy,
3And yet in forty days he dropt away,
4 O swift Visissitude of humane joy.
##
5I did but see him and he dis-appear'd,6 I did but pluck the Rose-bud and it fell,
7A sorrow unforeseen and scarcely fear'd,
8 For ill can mortals their afflictions spell.
##
9And now (sweet Babe) what can my trembling heart10 Suggest to right my doleful fate or thee,
11Tears are my Muse and sorrow all my Art,
12 So piercing groans must be thy Elogy.
##
13Thus whilst no eye is witness of my mone,14 I grieve thy loss ( Ah boy too dear to live)
15And let the unconcerned World alone,
16 Who neither will, nor can refreshment give.
##
17An Off'ring too for thy sad Tomb I have,18 Too just a tribute to thy early Herse,
19Receive these gasping numbers to thy grave,
20 The last of thy unhappy Mothers Verse.
Publication Start Year
1667
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
RPO 1996-2000.
Rhyme