Page:Poems upon Several Occasions.djvu/155

Rh
 * Con. Needs there an Oath? and can Oriana say,

Thus I command, and doubt if I'll obey?


 * Ori. Then to be short, and put you out of Pain,

Leave me, and never see my Face again. Start not, nor look surpriz'd, nor pausing stand, Be your Obedience brief, as my Command.


 * Con. Your strange Command you give with such an Air;

Well may I pause, who tremble but to hear. Love is a Plant of the most tender Kind, That shrinks and shakes with ev'ry ruffling Wind; Such words in jest, scarce can my Heart support, In Pity, ah! forbear such cruel Sport.


 * Ori. Our serious Fates no Hours for Mirth allow,

And one short Truth is all my Refuge now. Prepare then, Prince, to hear a Secret told, That Shame wou'd shun, and blushing I unfold, But dangers pressing, Cowards will grow bold; Know then, I love


 * Con. Can you command Despair, yet Love confess;

And curse with the same Breath with which you bless?


 * Ori.Mistake me notThat I do love, is true,

But flatter not your self, it is not you.

Con. Forbid it, Gods! Strike any where but there; Let but those Frowns, and that disdainful Air, Be the accustom'd Niceness of the Fair; Then I might hope, that Time, affiduous Love, Vows, Tears, and Pray'rs such Coyness might remove: Rh