William Alexander, Earl of Stirling

[1567(?)–1640]

To Aurora

[178. William Alexander, Earl of Stirling]

O if thou knew’st how thou thyself dost harm,

And dost prejudge thy bliss, and spoil my rest;

Then thou would’st melt the ice out of thy breast

And thy relenting heart would kindly warm.

O if thy pride did not our joys controul,

What world of loving wonders should’st thou see!

For if I saw thee once transform’d in me,

Then in thy bosom I would pour my soul;

Then all my thoughts should in thy visage shine,

And if that aught mischanced thou should’st not moan

Nor bear the burthen of thy griefs alone;

No, I would have my share in what were thine:

And whilst we thus should make our sorrows one,

This happy harmony would make them none.