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I'll tell thee thou'rt deceived; false Julian Now revels in the love of Veronica. Thy long-protracted absence was a test Too great for human nature; passion grew; Youth, beauty, opportunity, combined To snap the bonds of honour; rumour broached The tale abroad; there's not a page at court Who has not seen the pressure of the hand, The soft caress, the gentle whisper pass, And Julian sigh, and Veronica smile. It may be possible, I sink so low Beneath the worth of Julian; her eye Might note his form superior, her soul Pay homage to the virtues which exceed, Far, far exceed my efforts; and what man Could coldly turn from Veronica? Gods Have quitted heaven to woo less lovely maids; Angels have fallen when strongly tempted; then Julian is blameless. I will yield her up;