Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/503

 COUNTESS OF WINCHILSEA. 365 �Then, let your Beauty's Triumphs be complete, Which, after such a Threat, can bend my Knee, And make me sue for Pardon, as for Life. �Herm. I can forgive, whilst I forbid such Language ; Since She, who yields to have her Beauty worshipp'd, 70 Must pay too much to him, that brings the Incense. �dim. To Me you cannot, 'tis a Debt to Fate. Your Heart is mine ; the amorous Stars ordain it, Which smiling, hung o'er my auspicious Birth, And not an angry Planet cross'd their Influence: They bid me Love, aud the Harmonious God When askt, what Path shou'd lead me on to Glory, Sent forth a Sound, that charm'd the hoary Priest, And said, a Passion, soft as that, must bless me. Then, do not strive to disappoint their Purpose, 80 �Or quench Celestial Flames with Scorn or Coldness. Oh ! that a Smile might tell me, that you wou'd not, A gentle Word, a Look, a Sigh confirm it, Or any sign, that bears the stamp of Love! But 'tis in vain, and some more happy Youth Has drawn my Lot, and mock'd foretelling Phcebus. �Herm. I must not leave you with a Thought that wrongs �me: �For know, no Passion e'er possess'd this Breast, Nor will the mighty Griefs, that now have seiz'd it, E'er yield to give a softer Guest admittance. 90 �But my Companion comes ; Shepherd farewell ! When next we meet, if Heav'n that Moment sends, For your Assistance lent, we may be Friends. �dim. Heav'n can't be true, if it no more affords, Nor Oracles explain themselves by Words. Let talking Age the Joys of Friendship prove, Beauty for Youth was made, and Youth alone for Love. �[Exeunt severally. ��� �