Poems (Philips)/A retired Friendship, to Ardelia

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A retir'd Friendship: To Ardelia.

I.Come, my Ardelia, to this Bow'r,Where kindly mingling Souls awhileLet's innocently spend an Hour,And at all serious Follies smile.
II.Here is no quarrelling for Crowns,Nor fear of changes in our Fate;No trembling at the great ones Frowns,Nor any Slavery of State.
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III.Here's no Disguise nor Treachery,Nor any deep-conceal'd Design;From Blood and Plots this Place is free,And calm as are those Looks of thine.
IV.Here let us sit and bless our Stars,Who did such happy Quiet give,As that remov'd from Noise of WarsIn one anothers Hearts we live.
V.Why should we entertain a Fear?Love cares not how the World is turn'd:If crouds of Dangers shou'd appear,Yet Friendship can be unconcern'd.
VI.We wear about us such a Charm,No Horror can be our Offence;For Mischief's self can do no harmTo Friendship, or to Innocence.
VIILet's mark how soon Apollo's BeamsCommand the Flocks to quit their Meat,And not entreat the neighb'ring StreamsTo quench their Thirst, but cool their Heat.
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VIII.In such a scorching Age as thisWho would not ever seek a Shade,Deserve their Happiness to miss,As having their own Peace betray'd.
IX.But we (of one another's MindAssur'd) the boist'rous World disdain;With quiet Souls, and unconfin'd,Enjoy what Princes wish in vain.

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