Rowe, Elizabeth Singer, 1674-1737. Poems on several occasions. Written by Philomela. London: Printed for John Dunton at the Raven in Jewen-street, 1696. [24],72,69,[11]p.; 8⁰ (ESTC R7317; OTA A57734)

    • [Illustration]

    • POEMS On Several OCCASIONS.

    Written by Philomela.

    LONDON: Printed for Iohn Dunton at the Raven in Iewen-street. 1696.

    • [Page]

    Preface TO THE READER.

    THE occasion of this Preface is, to give the World some account of the Author of these Poems, as far as I'm permitted to do it: An Employment I the more willingly chuse, because our Sex has some Excuse for a little Vanity, when they have so good Reason for't, and such a Champion among themselves, as not many of the other can[Page] boast of. We are not unwilling to allow Mankind the Brutal Advantages of Strength, they are Superior to ours in Force, they have Custom of their side, and have Ruled, and are like to do so, and may freely do it without Disturbance or Envy; at least they should have none from us, if they cou'd but keep quiet among themselves. But when they wou'd Monopolize Sence too, when neither that, nor Learning, nor so much as Wit must be allow'd us, but all over-rul'd by the Tyranny of the Prouder Sex; nay, when some of 'em won't let us say our Souls are our own, but wou'd perswade us we are no more Reasonable Creatures then themselves, or their Fellow-Animals; we then[Page] must ask their Pardons if we are not yet so Compleatly possive as to bear all without so much as a murmur: We complain, and we think with reason, that our Fundamental Constitutions are destroyed; that here's a plain and an open design to render us meer Slaves, perfect Turkish Wives, without Properties, or Sense, or Souls; and are forc'd to Protest against it, and appeal to all the World, whether these are not notorious Violations on the Liberties of Free-born English Women? This makes the Meekest Worm amongst us all, ready to turn agen when we are thus trampled on; But alas! What can we do to Right our selves? stingless and harmless as we are, we can only Kiss the[Page] Foot that hurts us. However, sometimes it pleases Heaven to raise up some Brighter. Genius then ordinary to Succour a Distressed People —; an Epaminondas in Thebes; a Timoleon for Corinth; (for you must know we Read Plutarch now 'tis Translated) and a Nassaw for all the World: Nor is our Defenceless Sex forgotten — we have not only Bunduca's and Zenobia's, but Sappho's, and Behn's and Schurman's, and Orinda's, who have humbled. the most haughty of our Antagonists, and made 'em do Homage to our Wit, as well as our Beauty. 'Tis true, their Mischievous and Envious sex have made it their utmost endeavours to deal with us, as Hannibal[Page] was serv'd at Capua, and to Corrupt that Virtue which they can no otherwise overcome: and sometimes they prevail'd: But, if some Angels fell, others remain'd in their Innocence and Perfection, if there were not also some addition made to their Happiness and Glory, by their continuing stedfast. Angels Love, but they love Virtuously and Reasonably, and neither err in the Object, nor the Manner: And if all our Poetesses had done the same, I wonder what our Enemies cou'd have found out to have objected against us: However, here they are silenc'd; and I dare be bold to say, that whoever does not come extreamly prejudic'd[Page] to these Poems, will find in 'em that vivacity of Thought, that purity of Language, that softness and delicacy in the Love-part, that strength and Majesty of Numbers almost every where, especially on Heroical Subjects, and that clear and unaffected Love to Virtue; that heighth of Piety and warmth of Devotion in the Canticles, and other Religious Pieces; which they will hardly find exceeded in the best Authors on those Different Kinds of Writing, much less equall'd by any single Writer.

    And now I have nothing more, I think, lies upon my Hands, but to assure the[Page] Reader, that they were actually Writ by a young Lady, (all, but some of the Answers, as is well-known to some Persons of Quality and Worth) whose NAME had been prefix'd, had not her own Modesty absolutely forbidden it.

    The way of Thinking and Writing is all along the same, only varying with the Subject; and the Whole so very agreeable a mixture, that unless Philaret and my Self, who have the Honour to be her Friends, and who perswaded her to Publish this First Volume, are very partial, 'tis more than probable, they will meet with so favourable a Reception with the[Page] Pious and Ingenious Reader, that we may e're long prevail with Her to oblige the World with a Second Part, no way inferior to the former.

    Hardings-Rents, May 10th 1696.
    Elizabeth Iohnson.

    • To The AUTHOR Of these POEMS, Known only by Report, and by Her WORKS.

    NO — 'tis in vain — attempt not to persuade!
    They were not, cou'd not be by Woman made:
    Each Thought so strong, so finish'd every Line,
    All o'r we see so rich a Genius shine;
    O more then Man, we Cry, O Workmanship Divine!
    Courtly the Stile as Wallers, clear, and neat,
    Not Cowley's Sence more Beautiful, or great:
    [Page]
    Numerous the verse, as Drydens flowing strain;
    Smooth as the Thames, yet Copious as the Main.
    But when the Author Royal Mary mourns,
    Or in soft Fires for gay Orestes burns
    Agen, our sexes Pride is undeceiv'd:
    A Soul so Soft in Man yet never liv'd.
    In vain, alas in vain our Fate we shun;
    We Read, and Sigh, and Love, and are undon:
    Circaean charms, and Female Arts we prove,
    Transported all to some New World of Love.
    "Now our Ears tingle, and each thick-drawn - Breath
    " Comes hard, as in the Agonys of Death:
    "Back to the panting Heart the purple Rivers flow,
    " Our Swimming Eyes, to see, our Feet unlearn to goe:
    [Page]
    "In every trembling Nerve a short-liv'd Palsy reigns,
    " Strange Feavers boyl our Blood, yet shudder thro' our Veins,
    Tyrannous Charmer hold! our Sence, our Souls restore!
    Monopolize not Love, nor make the World adore!
    Can Heavenly minds be angry! can she frown?
    What Thunders has one eager Thought pull'd down?
    Diana thus by the bold Hunter found,
    Instead of Darts, shot angry Blushes round.
    O Goddess Spare — all white as Cyprias Dove
    Is thy untarnisht Soul, and Loves as Angels Love;
    Honour and Virtue each wild-wish repel,
    And doubly sink 'em to their Native Hell.
    Saints may by thee their holiest Thoughts refine,
    And Vestal-Virgin's dress their Souls by thine,
    [Page]
    Sure none but you such Passion, cou'd, restrain;
    None ever Lov'd like you, and Lov'd in vain.
    What Age can equal, what Historian find
    Such Tenderness, with so much Duty joyn'd?
    Sappho and Behn reform'd, in thee revive,
    In thee we see the Chast Orinda live.
    Thy works express thy Soul we read thee there,
    Not thine own Pencil draws more like, or fair.
    As Flowers steal unobserv'd from Natures Bed,
    And silent sweets around profusely shed,
    So you in Secret shades unknown unseen
    Commence at once a Muse, and Heroine.
    Yet you're in vain unknown, in vain wou'd shrow'd
    That Sun, which shines too bright t' endure a cloud.
    [Page]
    Prepare then for that Fame which you despise!
    But when you're seen still hide, O hide your Eyes!
    Love Vertue, and adorn't still let us see
    Such Wit and Beauty joyn'd with Piety.
    Let Heaven and Heaven's Vicegerent always share
    Your noblest Thoughts, and your most Dutious care.
    WILLIAM's a Name, you're Fated to Record;
    No Pen but yours can match the Heroes Sword.
    If yon ASSOCIATE too, you'll guard Him (more
    Then all the Loyal Myriads gon before.
    Let harden'd Traitors know what 'tis to' abuse
    The Patience of a King and of a Muse.
    Let 'em no more a Monarch's Justice dare,
    Draw off his side, at once, and END THE WAR!
    [Page]
    These just, tho' poor Acknowledgments I send,
    From distant Shades, to Heav'ns and Cesars Friend:
    Those but debase, who weakly strive to raise,
    You'll ne're grow vain with —'s humble praise.

    • THE Contents.THE Contents.

    [Page][Page]

    TO the Author of these Poems, known only by Report, and by her Works.

    Platonick Love
    Page 1
    Humane Love, by a Countrey Gentleman, in Answer to Platonick Love
    3
    To Mr. — on his Poem
    5
    To Mrs. Mary Friend, knowing her but by Report
    7
    Paraphrase on John 3. 16. For God so loved the World, that he gave his only Begotten Son, &c.
    8
    The Expostulation
    12
    To my Lady Carteret
    14
    And though after my Skin, Worms destroy this Body, yet in my Flesh shall I see God, Iob 19. 26.
    15
    To Sir Charles Sedley
    16
    To the Honourable Mrs. E. Stretchy
    17
    A Pindarick Poem on Habbakuk
    18
    The Athenians to the Compiler of the Pindarick now Recited
    21
    A Poetical Question concerning the Jacobites, sent to the Athenians
    27
    The Athenians Answer
    28
    Upon King William's passing the Boyn, &c.
    30
    The Vanity of the World, in a Poem to the Athenians
    33
    The Athenians Answer
    35
    The Rapture
    ibid.
    A Paraphrase on the CANTICLES, Chap. I.
    36
    Chap. II.
    39
    Chap. III.
    42
    Chap. IV.
    44
    Chap. V.
    47
    Chap. VI.
    52
    The Fable of Phaeron Paraphrased from Ovid's Metamorphosis
    56
    The Wish, in a Poem to the Athenians, 2d Alphabet
    1
    The Athenians Answer
    3
    To one that perswades me to leave the Muses
    6
    A Poem occasion'd by the Report of the Queen's Death
    9
    Paraphrase on John 21. 17.
    10
    Paraphrase on Cant. 5,6, &c.
    13
    A Pindarick to the Athenian Society
    15
    Paraphrase on Revel. Chap. 1. from v. 13. to v. 18.
    19
    To a very Young Gentleman at a Dancing-School
    22
    To the same Gentleman
    23
    A Pastoral
    24
    To Celinda
    27
    Thoughts on Death
    28
    The Female Passion
    30
    To Strephon
    31
    Paraphrase on Malachy 3, 14.
    32
    On Mrs. Rebekah
    34
    By Dispair
    35
    To Orestes
    37
    The Athenians Answer to the foregoing Poem
    39
    Paraphrase on Canticles, 7, 11
    40
    Paraphrase on Micah, 6. 6, 7.
    41
    The Reflection
    43
    A Song
    44
    To Madam S. — at the Court
    46
    The Vision. — To Theron
    49
    A Pastoral Elegy
    51
    Parthenia, an Elegy
    57
    The Reply to Mr. —
    59
    A Pastoral on the Queen
    62
    A Farewel to Love
    65
  • Platonick Love.
  • HUMANE LOVE:
  • To Mr. — — on his POEM.
  • TO Mrs. MARY FRIEND; Knowing her but by Report.
  • PARAPHRASE
  • THE Expostulation.
  • To my Lady CARTERET.
  • And, though after my Skin, Worms destroy this Body, yet in my Flesh shall I see God, Job 19. 26.
  • TO Sir CHAREES SEDLEY.
  • To the Honourable Mrs. E— Stretchy.
  • A Pindarick POEM on HABBAKUK.
  • The ATHENIANS
  • A Poetical Question concerning the Jacobites, sent to the Athenians.
  • The Athenians Answer.
  • Upon King William's passing the Boyn, &c.
  • The Vanity of the World, In a Poem to the Athenians.
  • The Athenians Answer.
  • The RAPTURE.
  • A Paraphrase on the CANTICLES.
  • THE FABLE of PHAETON Paraphrased From OVID's METAMORPHOSIS.
  • THE WISH, IN A POEM TO THE ATHENIANS.
  • The Athenians Answer.
  • To one that perswades me to leave the Muses.
  • A POEM Occasioned by the report of the Queens Death.
  • Pharaphrase on John 21. 17.
  • Paraphrase on Cant. 5. 6. &c.
  • A Pindarick, to the Athenian Society.
  • Paraphrase on Revel. chap. 1. from v. 13. to v. 18.
  • To a very Young Gentleman at a Dancing-School.
  • To the same Gentleman.
  • A PASTORAL.
  • TO CELINDA.
  • Thoughts on Death.
  • THE Female Passion,
  • TO STREPHON.
  • Paraphrase on Malachy 3. 14.
  • On Mrs. Rebecka.
  • By Dispair.
  • TO ORESTES.
  • The Athenians Answer, to the Foregoing Poem.
  • Paraphrase on Canticles, 7. 11.
  • Paraphrase on Micha. 6. 6, 7.
  • The Reflection.
  • A SONG.
  • To Madam S— at the Court.
  • The Vision. To Theron.
  • A Pastoral Elegy.
  • Parthenea, an ELEGY.
  • The Reply to Mr. —
  • A Pastoral on the QUEEN.
  • A Farewel to LOVE.
    • FINIS.

    • ADVERTISEMENT

    THe Young Lady, who is the Author of this BOOK, Living at a Great Distance from London, 'twas Impossible She shou'd see the Sheets as they came from the PRESS; and is therefore no ways Accountable for the Printer's Errata's.

    • BOOKS lately Printed for John Dunton.

    POEMS on several Occasions, Written by Philomela.

    The first and second Volumes of the French Book of Martyrs, published in English with Her Majesties Royal Priviledge, pri. 20 s.

    The Tigurine Liturgy, publish'd with the Approbation of six Reverend Bishops.

    Dr. Burthogg's Essay upon Reason, and the Nature of Spirits; dedicated to Mr. Lock. p. 2s. 6d.

    The Works of the Right Honourable Henry late Lord Delamere, and Earl of Warrington, containing his Lordships Advice to his Children, several Speeches in Parliament, &c. with many other Occasional Discourses on the Affairs of the two last Reigns, being Original Manuscripts written with his Lordships own hand, never before Printed. Price bound 5 s.

    Malbranch's Search after Truth, compleat, in 2 Vol. 8 — To the 2d part of this Work is added the Author's defence against the Accusations of Monsieur de la Ville also the Life of F. Malbranch, of the Oratory at Paris; with an Account of his Works, and several particulars of his controversie with Monsieur Arnaud, Dr. of Sorbon, and Monsieur Regis, Professor in Philosophy at Paris. Written by Monsieur Le Vassor, lately come over from Paris; both Volumes done out of French, from the last Edition, by Mr. Sault, Author[Page] of the New Treatise of Algebra; both Volumes 10 s.

    Bp. Barlow's Genuine Remains, containing near 100 distinct Subjects, Theological, Philosophical, Historical, &c. Publish'd from his Lordship's Original Papers, by Sir Peter Pet, Kt. Advocate General for the Kingdom of Ireland. Price bound 6 s.

    Dr. Becker's Examination of the common Opinions concerning Spirits, Apparitions, their Nature, Powers, Administration and Operations, as also the Effects Men are able to produce by their Communication.

    Casuistical Morning-Exercises, the 4th Volume; by several Reverend Divines in and about London, price bound 6 s.

    The Life of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Brand, written by Dr. Annesly, price 1 s.

    Heads of Agreement assented to by the United Ministers, price 4 d.

    The Countries Concurrence with the London United Ministers, by Mr. Chandler, price 1 s.

    A Narrative of the Extraordinary Penitence of Robert Maynard; Together with the several Conferences held with him in Newgate; As also a Copy of the Papers which he left to be Publisht after his Death — By Ioseph Stevens Lecturer of Crippligate.

    An Essay upon the Works of Creation and Providence; being an Introductory Discourse to the [History of Remarkable Providences] now preparing for the Press. To which is added a SCHEME of the said Undertaking, — as also a[Page] further SPECIMEN of the Work it self, in which is inserted the Penitential Letter, written by Sir DUNCUMB COLCHESTER (late of Westbury in Glocestershire) with other Remarkable Instances of that Nature. Price bound 2 s.

    Tho General History of the Quakers, both Men and Women, from the first Rise of that Sect, down to this present time. Collected from Manuscripts, &c. A Work never attempted before in English, being Written Originally in Latin, by the Learned Crosius, price bound 5 s.

    The History of all Religions in the World, from the Creation down to this present time, in Two Parts the first containing their Theory, and the other relating their Practices, both written by W. Turner, M. A. and Vicar of Walberton in Sussex.

    A COLLECTION of the Funeral Orations pronounc'd by publick Authority in Holland, upon the Death of the most serene and potent Princess Mary II. Queen of Great Britain, &c. By Dr. Iames Perizonius, Professor of Eloquence, History, and the Greek Tongue in Leyden, Dr. George Grevius, Professor of Theology in Utrecht; and several other Learned Men — wherein is given a very particular Account of the QUEEN's LIFE, during her Residence in HOLLAND, &c. Done into English from the Latin Original.

    Some Remarkable Passages in the Life and Death of her late Majesty, not hitherto made publick, as they were delivered in a Funeral Oration, pronounc'd by publick Authority, in the Hall of the[Page] most Illustrious States, upon the day of the Royal Obsequies, March 5. 1695. by Francis Spanheimius, F. F. Chief Professor of the Academy of Leyden. Done into English from the Latin Original; and Printed in 4to, to bind up with the forementioned Orations.

    A Sermon upon the Death of the Queen of England, Preached in the Walloon-Church at the Hague, Feb. 6, 1695. Upon these Words, Acts 9. v. 36, 37. There was at Joppa a certain Disciple whose name was Tabitha, which signifies Dorcas, who was full of Good Works and the Almsdeeds which she did. It happen'd in those days that she fell sick and dy'd. By Isaac Claude, Minister of the Walloon-Church. Done into English from the Second Edition Printed in French.

    Lachrymoe Sacerdotis. A Pindarick Poem occasion'd by the Death of that most Excellent Princess, our late Gracious Soveraign Lady, Mary II. of Glorious Memory. By Henry Park, Curate of Wentworth in Yorkshire.

    The Tragedies of sin contemplated in the Fall of Man, the Ruin of the Angels, the destruction of the Old World, the Confusion of Babel, and Conflagration of Sodom, by Stephen Iay, Rector of Chinner in Oxfordshire. Price 2 s. 6 d.

    A Practical Discourse on 1 Thes. 4. 7. by Iohn Brandon. Rector of Finchamsted.

    A Treatise of Fornication, by William Barlow, Rector of Chalgrave.

    The frailty and uncertainty of the Life of Man, delivered in a Sermon at the Funeral of a Person that died suddenly, by the Reverend Mr. W. Bush.

    [Page]

    A Practical Discourse upon Col. 3. 5. by R. Carr, Vicar of Sutton.

    Dr. Singleton's Practical Discourses upon 1 Iohn 12. 28.

    Practical Discourses on Sickness and Recovery, in several Sermons, as they were lately Preached in a Congregation in London, by T. Rogers, M. A. after his Recovery from a sickness of near Two Years continuance.

    Early Religion, or a discourse of the duty and Interest of Youth. The 2d Edition, price 1 s.

    Fall not out by the way; or a perswasion to a Friendly Correspondence between the Conformists and Nonconformists, in a Funeral Discourse on Gen. 45. 24. occasioned by the desire of Mr. Anthony Dunwell, in his last Will. All three written by T. Rogers, M.A. price 1 s.

    The Mourners Companion, or Funeral Discourses on several Texts, by Iohn Shower, price 1 s. 6 d.

    Mr. Boyses Answer to Bp. King.

    The Vanity and Impiety of Judicial Astrology. Price 3 d.

    Mensalia Sacra, or Meditations on the Lord's Supper, both Written by the Reverend M. F. Crow, M. A. late Minister at Clare in Suffolk. Price 1 s.

    A Practical Discourse on the late Earthquakes, by a Reverend Divine. Price 6 d.

    Tri-unity, or the Doctrine of the Holy Trinity asserted in a Discourse on 2 Cor. 13. 14. by Isaac Mauduit, Minister of the Gospel, price 6 d.

    An Earnest Call to Family Catechising and Reformation,[Page] by a Revend Divine. Price 6 d. or 50 for 20 s.

    Comfort for Parents mourning over their Hopeful Children that die young, by T. Whitaker, Minister at Leeds in Yorkshire.

    The 3d Edition of the Life and Death of the Reverend Mr. Iohn Ellios, who was the first Preacher of the Gospel to the Indians in America, with an Account of the wonderful success which the Gospel has had amongst the Heathens in that part of the World. Written by Cotton Mather, price 1 s.

    Gospel Truth stated and vindicated, the Second Edition, price 1 s.

    A Defence of Gospel Truth, price 6 d.

    Man made Righteous by Christ's Obedience, being two Sermons at Pinners-Hall, with Inlargements.

    The Vanity of Childhood and Youth, all four written by D. Williams.

    The Young Man's Claim to the Sacrament, by I. Quick. Price 6 d.

    Mr. Barkers Flores Intellectuales. In two parts.

    Some Remarkable Passages in the Life and Death of Mr. Iohn Mason, late Minister of Water Stratford, drawn up by a Reverend Divine, to which is added his Christian Letters, printed from the Original Copies.

    Proposals for a National Reformation of Manners to which is added the Instrument for Reformation, &c. price 6 d.

    The Knowledge of the World, or the Art of[Page] well educating Youth through the various conditions of Life, by way of Letters to a Noble Lord, Vol. 1. to be continued in that method till the whole Design is finisht. Printed first at Paris, afterwards Re-printed at Amsterdam, and now done into English.

    A Narrative of the extraordinary Cure wrought in an instant upon Mrs. Elizabeth Savage, Lame from her Birth, without the ufing any Natural Means; with the Affidavits which were sworn before the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, and the Certificates of several credible Persons, who knew her both before and since her Cure. Price 6 d.

    The Fourth Edition of the Lives, Tryals, and dying Speeches of those Eminent Protestants who fell in the West of England, and elsewhere, from the year 1678, to 1689.

    COMPLEAT SETS of the Athenian Mercury (being Nineteen Volumes, &c.) resolving all the most nice and curious Questions proposed by Ladies and Gentlemen for the last five YEARS.

    The History of several Remarkable Penitents — to which is added a Sermon Preached at Boston in New-England, to a Condemn'd Malefactor, by Increase Mather.

    A Narrative of the Conversion of Mackerness, late of March, in the Isle of Ely, by Mr. Burroughs, Minister at Wisbech. Price 1 s.

    Directions, Prayers, and Ejaculations for such as lead a Military Life. Price 2 d. or 100 for 14 s.

    [Page]

    A New Book of Trade, Entituled Panarithmalogia, by W. Leybourn, Author of Cursus Mathematicus, Price 4 s. 6 d.

    The Tryals of several Witches lately executed in New-England. The Third Edition. Price 1 s.

    The Tryals of Peter Boss, George Keith, Thomas Budd, and William Bradford, Quakers, for several great Misdemeanors, (as was pretended by their Adversaries) before a Court of Quakers, at the Sessions held at Philadelphia, in Pensylvania, the 9th, 10th, and 12th days of December, 1692. Giving also an Account of the most Arbitrary procedure of that Court.

    The Divine Captain Characteris'd, In a Sermon publisht at the beginning of the War with France.

    The LAY-CLERGY. — In a short Essay in Answer to this Query, — Whether it be lawful for Persons in Holy Orders to exercise Temporal Offices, Honours, Iurisdictions and Authorities. — With Arguments and Objections on both sides, poyz'd, and indifferently weigh'd. Both Written by EDMUND HICKERINGIL, Rector of All-saints in-Colchester.

    • BOOKS now in the Press, and Design'd for it; Printed for IOHN DUNTON.

    THe Life of the Reverend Mr. Richard Baxter, left for the Press under his own hand, in Folio.

    The Lord Faulkland's Works, Secretary of State to King Charles the I. in Folio.

    An History of all Remarkable Providences which have happened in this present Age, by William Turner, M. A. and Vicar of Walberton in Sussex, in Folio.

    The Third and Fourth Volumes of the French Book of Martyrs, are now preparing for the Press, and will be published with Her Majesty's Royal Priviledge.

    The Second Edition of Right Christianity, by the Reverend Mr. Matth. Barker.

    The CHALLENGE, &c. — mention'd in the Athenian Mercury, Vol. 15, Numb. 28.