Young Woman to her Ancient Lover by Earl of Rochester

A recital of extracts from "A Song of a Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover", a poem by John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester (1647 - 1680). Rochester was the toast of the Restoration court of King Charles II. He wrote satirical and bawdy poetry, most of which was intended for a coterie audience, and was not prepared for publication. The full text of the poem is below -- the extracts included in the video recital are within quotation marks "". The recital in the video strays slightly from this text. A Song of a Young Lady To Her Ancient Lover "Ancient person, for whom I All the flattering youth defy, Long be it ere thou grow old, Aching, shaking, crazy, cold, But still continue as thou art, Ancient person of my heart. On thy withered lips and dry Which like barren furrows lie, Brooding kisses I will pour, Shall thy youthful heat restore." Such kind show'rs in autumn fall And a second spring recall: Nor from thee will ever part, Ancient person of my heart. "Thy nobler part, which but to name In our sex would be counted shame, By age's frozen grasp possessed From their ice shall be released, And, soothed by my reviving hand, In former warmth and vigour stand. All a lover's wish can reach For thy joy my love shall teach, And for thy pleasure shall improve All that art can add to love. Yet still I love thee without art, Ancient person of my heart."