Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/482

 344 THE POEMS OP ANNE �That made our Nights secure, and bless' d our Days. �1st Shep. So let it be! �Again, one Ev'ning on these Plains we'll meet, �2nd Shep. But never tread them more with chearful Feet. [Exeunt Shepherds and Shepherdesses. �dim. Cruel Arcasius I How hast thou undone me, Charming me, with thy Tears, to this soft Circle, Whilst the bright Spirit, Honour is gone by, And borne away on never-turning Pinions! 160 �Why wou'd'st thou thus contrive against my Fame, And rob my fiery Youth of this first War, (For which it languish' d with a Lover's Fondness) By saying still 'twou'd last, 'till Time had freed me? But I will yet pursue it thro' Despair, And share their Ruin, tho' deny'd their Glory. �[As he's going Arc. kneels. �Arc. Yet, this last time, behold my bended Knees, Which if you slight shall of the Gods implore A hasty Death, to fall on old Arcasius: Nor think, this Posture means to cross your way ; 170 �For, by those Powers I swear; if they will Fight As much, we hear 'tis doubted by the Shepherds, I will not sue, to keep you from the Army, Or bring on me your future Life's Reproaches. Let me obtain but This, for all my Service, To be first sent to sound their Disposition, Which I'll relate with Truth, and help your Purpose: In this Attempt Two Hours will not be lost ; Oh! give so much, to save his Life, that loves you. �dim. Thou hast obtain'd it, by thy promised Aid, 180 And my long Knowledge of the Truth that guides thee. About it then, whilst in that shady Grove, I with impatience wait for thy Return. �Area. Which shall not be prolong'd my Lord, believe me. �[Exeunt severally. ��� �