Page:Cyder - a poem in two books (1708).djvu/49

42 And is there found a Wretch, so base of Mind, That Woman's pow'rful Beauty dares condemn, Exactest Work of Heav'n? He ill deserves Or Love, or Pity; friendless let him see Uneasie, tedious Days, despis'd, forlorn, As Stain of Human Race: But may the Man, That chearfully recounts the Females Praise Find equal Love, and Love's untainted Sweets Enjoy with Honour. O, ye Gods! might I Elect my Fate, my happiest Choice should be A fair, and modest Virgin, that invites With Aspect chast, forbidding loose Desire, Tenderly smiling; in whose Heav'nly Eye Sits purest Love enthron'd: But if the Stars Malignant, these my better Hopes oppose, May I, at least, the sacred Pleasures know Of strictest Amity; nor ever want A Friend, with whom I mutually may share Rh