"To Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York"
By
Katherine Philips
Transcription, correction, editorial commentary, and markup by Staff and Research Assistants at The University of Virginia, John O'Brien, Sara Brunstetter, Rachel Retica
YorkThe
Duchess of York was Anne Hyde, wife of the future King James II of
England.durstThe simple past of dare.vouchsafedTo grant by
graciousness or condescension (Oxford English Dictionary).
11
To Her Royal
Highness the Duchess of YorkYork, on her commanding me to send her
some things that I had written.YorkThe
Duchess of York was Anne Hyde, wife of the future King James II of
England.
1To you whose Dignity strikes us with aw,
2And whose far greater Judgment gives us law,
3(Your Mind b'ing more transcendent then your State,
4For while but Knees to this, Hearts bow to that,)
5These humble Papers never durstdurstdurstThe simple past of dare. come near,
6Had not your pow'rful Word bid them appear;
7In which such majesty, such sweetness dwells,
8As in one act obliges, and compels.
9None can dispute commands vouchsaf'dvouchsafedvouchsafedTo grant by
graciousness or condescension (Oxford English Dictionary). by you.
10What shall my fears then and confusion doe?
11They must resign, and by their just pretence
12Some value set on my obedience.
13For in religious Duties, 'tis confest,
14The most Implicite are accepted best.