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AN ANSWER TO AN INVITATION TO CAMBRIDGE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Nichols, my better selfe, forebeare
Last Line: Wee'l easely see each other: love hath wings.


1.

NIchols, my better selfe, forbeare,
For if thou telst what Cambridge pleasure are,
The Schoole-boye's sinne will light on me,
I shall in mind at least a Truant bee.
Tell me not how you feede your minde
With dainties of Philosophie;
In Ovid's Nut I shall not finde,
The taste once pleased me.
O tell me not of Logick's diverse cheare,
I shall beginn to loath our Crambe here.

2.

Tell me not how the waves appeare
Of Cam, or how it cuts the learned Sheire,
I shall contemne the troubled Thames,
On her chiefe Holiday, even when her streames,
Are with rich follie guilded; when
The quondam Dungboat is made gay,
Iust like the braverie of the men,
And graces with fresh paint that day.
When th' Citie shines with Flagges and Pageants there,
And Sattin Doublets, seene not twice a yeere.

3.

Why doe I stay then? I would meet
Thee there, but plummets hang upon my feet:
'Tis my chief wish to live with thee,
But not till I deserve thy companie.
Till then wee'l scorne to let that toy,
Some forty miles, divide our hearts:
Write to me, and I shall enjoy,
Friendship, and wit, thy better parts.
Though envious Fortune larger hindrance brings,
Wee'l easely see each other: Love hath wings.





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