Delia

Henry Constable and Samuel Daniel

145 chapters · about 75 min

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The opening

TO DELIA I

Unto the boundless ocean of thy beauty Runs this poor river, charged with streams of zeal, Returning thee the tribute of my duty, Which here my love, my youth, my plaints reveal. Here I unclasp the book of my charged soul, Where I have cast th’ accounts of all my care; Here have I summed my sighs. Here I enrol How they were spent for thee. Look, what they are. Look on the dear expenses of my youth, And see how just I reckon with thine eyes. Examine well thy beauty with my truth, And cross my cares ere greater sums arise. Read it, sweet maid, though it be done but slightly; Who can show all his love, doth love but lightly.

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About this edition

The words
The author's text, copied word for word.
Left out
  • The source library's header, footer and license, in 2 places
  • Page numbers and running heads from the printed pages
  • The title page and opening pages before chapter 1, in 2 places
  • Notes and pages added by translators, editors or publishers, in 5 places