The Religious Poems of Richard Crashaw (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1914. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... Yet though she cannot tell you why, She can love, and she can die.----Scarce has she blood enough to make A guilty sword blush for her sake; Yet has she a heart dares hope to prove How much less strong is Death than Love. Be Love but there; let poor six years Be posed with the maturest fears Man trembles at, you straight shall find Love knows no nonage, nor the mind; Tis love, not years or limbs that can-c Make the martyr, or the man. 7 Love touched her heart, and lo it beats High, and burns with such brave heats; Such thirsts to die, as dares drink up I A thousand cold deaths in one cup. Good reason; for she breathes all fire; Her white breast heaves with strong desire j Of what she may, with fruitless wishes, iSeek for amongst her mother's kisses. Since 'tis not to be had at home She'll travel to a martyrdom. No home for her's confesses she But where she may a martyr be. She'll to the Moors; and trade with them For this unvalued diadem: She'll offer them her dearest breath, With Christ's name in't, in change for death: She'll bargain with them, and will give Them God; teach them how to live In Him: or, if they this deny, For Him she'll teach them how to die. So shall she leave amongst them sown Her Lord's blood; or at least her own. Farewell then, all the World adieu Teresa is no more for you. Farewell, all pleasures, sports, and joys (Never till now esteemed toys) Farewell, whatever dear may be, Mother's arms, or father's knee: Farewell house, and farewell home She's for the Moors, and martyrdom. Sweet, not so fast lo, thy fair Spouse, Whom thou seek'st with so swift vows; Calls thee back, and bids thee come T'embrace a milder martyrdom. Blest powers forbid, thy tender life Should bleed upon a barbarous knife: Or some base hand have power to rase Thy breas...