[C] The poet here alludes to the punishments denounced in the Koran
against those who worship a plurality of Gods: "their couch shall
be in hell, and over them shall be coverings of fire."


THE INCONSISTENT[35]

When I sent you my melons, you cried out with scorn,
They ought to be heavy and wrinkled and yellow;
When I offer'd myself, whom those graces adorn,
You flouted, and call'd me an ugly old fellow.

[35] Written to a lady upon her refusal of a present of melons, and her
rejection of the addresses of an admirer.


THE CAPTURE OF JERUSALEM[36]

From our distended eyeballs flow
A mingled stream of tears and blood;
No care we feel, nor wish to know,
But who shall pour the largest flood.

But what defense can tears afford?
What aid supply in this dread hour?
When kindled by the sparkling sword
War's raging flames the land devour.

No more let sleep's seductive charms
Upon your torpid souls be shed: