Date: 1696

"I find the danger now: my Spirits start / At the alarm, and from all quarters come / To Man my Heart, the Citadel of love."

— Southerne, Thomas (1659-1746)

Date: 1713

"The cautious Virgin, ignorant of Man, / No Glances threw, nor exercis'd the Fan, / Found Love a Stranger to her easie Breast, / And 'till the Wedding Night--enjoy'd her Rest."

— Gay, John (1685-1732)

Date: 1717

"Against my self my rebel Passions arm; / They bound within my Breast to meet this Victor."

— Manley, Delarivier (c. 1670-1724)

Date: 1724

"[T]he dear, the happy Secret safe lodg'd within my Soul, shou'd take no Air, nor let in the least room for a Conjecture"

— Haywood [née Fowler], Eliza (1693?-1756)

Date: 1726

"I have so many Thoughts crowding in upon me, I don't know which first to speak to."

— Southerne, Thomas (1659-1746)

Date: 1726

"Come quickly to the rescue of my Love, / Transport me with the dear, dear Sight of you, / Far from the crowding Thoughts of what I owe / To Warcourt, for my Father, and my self:"

— Southerne, Thomas (1659-1746)

Date: w. 1764, published 1820

"O Peace of mind, thou lovely guest, / Thou softest soother of the breast, / Dispense thy balmy store."

— Goldsmith, Oliver (1728?-1774)