Monday, December 23, 2013
In Solemn Groves and Solitary Bowers
Francis Quarles (1592-1644), "Song," from The Virgin Widow. A Comedie (London: Printed for R. Royston, 1649), p. 34 (line numbers added):
8 pursy: short of breath, wheezy, asthmatic (Oxford English Dictionary)
12 to: equal to
Newer› ‹Older
How blest are they that wast their weary howers1 wast their weary howers: waste their weary hours
In solemne Groves, and solitary Bowers,
Where neither eye, nor eare
Can see, or heare,
The frantique mirth, 5
And false delights of frolique earth;
Where they may sit, and pant,
And breathe their pursy souls,
Where neither Grief consumes, nor griping want
Afflicts, nor sullen Care controuls. 10
Away false joyes, ye murther where ye kisse:
There is no heav'n to that; No life to this.
8 pursy: short of breath, wheezy, asthmatic (Oxford English Dictionary)
12 to: equal to
