The Lover's Watch, Or, The Art of Making LoveAs a beautiful and sought-after woman, Iris is well aware of the hours of reflection and sighing due to her—and of the dangers and temptations that await a man whose lover is absent. Thus, the hour between 8 and 9, before Damon is enjoined to rise, may be spent in “Agreeable Reverie,” of which the principle subject would be, of course, Iris, while 5 o’clock is the hour of “Dangerous Visits,” when Damon will be prey to the wiles and machinations of his female acquaintances. Interspersed with exquisite—and instructive—verse, The Lover’s Watch is an ironic, sharp-witted observation of the universal manners of love as well as an invaluable manual for all eager suitors. Proto-feminist Aphra Behn was the first female professional writer in the English language; the author of many plays, she also wrote the highly regarded philosophical novel Oroonoko. |
Common terms and phrases
absence adored agreeable allow appear assured beauty Behn believe bless blushes brave Charles charming confess conversation Cupid Damon danger dear delight desire dream dress dull easy employ eyes fair false favour fear flame flatter force friends friendship give glory grace happy hear heart heaven honour hour humour imagination indifferent Iris jealousy kind languish least leave less letters live look lose lover maid master mind minute mistress nature never noble O'CLOCK object obliging opinion pain pass passion perfect Perhaps person play pleased pleasure possibly present reason receive Reflections Remember secret sense sigh silent sleeping soft soon soul speak suffer sweetness talk tell tender things thou thoughts thousand true turn vain vanity virtue wanting watch wish write youth