Page:Poems upon Several Occasions.djvu/151

Rh
 * Ori. If from my Looks your Sentence you wou'd hear,

Behold, and be instructed to Despair.


 * Con. Lost in a Labyrinth of Doubts and Joys,

Whom now her Smiles reviv'd, her Scorn destroys; She will, and she will not; she grants, denies; Consents, retracts; advances, and then flies; Approving and rejecting in a Breath, Now proff'ring Mercy, now presenting Death: Thus Hoping, thus Despairing, never sure, How various are the Torments I endure! Cruel Estate of Doubt! ah! Princess try Once to resolve, or let me live, or die.


 * Ori. Cease, Prince, the Anger of the Gods to move:

'Tis now become a Crime to mention Love. Our holy Men, interpreting the Voice Of Heav'n in Wrath, forewarn th' ill-omen'd Choice.


 * Con. Strange Rules for Constancy your Priests devise,

If Love and Hate must vary with your Skies. From such vile Servitude set Reason free; The Gods in ev'ry Circumstance agree; To suit our Union, pointing out to me, In this right Hand, the Scepter that they place For me to hold, was meant for you to grace. Thou best and fairest of the beauteous Kind, Accept that Empire which the Gods design'd, And be the charming Mistress of Mankind. Rh