Page:Poems upon Several Occasions.djvu/156

144 But if engag'dRecall the fatal Breath That spoke that Word the Sound is instant Death.

Ori. Too late to be recall'd, or to deny, I own the fatal Truth; if one must die, You are the Judge; say is it you, or I?

Enter hastily a Briton.

Brit. The King is much displeas'd at this Delay.


 * Con. And let him wait, while 'tis my Will to stay.


 * Ori. Bear back a gentler Answer—We'll obey.


 * Con. Hence ev'ry Sound that's either soft or kind;

Of or a War like that within my Mind: Yes, by the Gods! I cou'd to Atoms tear, Confound Mankind, and all the World—but her, Say, Flatterer, say! ah, fair Deluder, speak, Answer me this, ere yet my Heart does break; Since thus engag'd, you never cou'd intend Your Love, why was I flatter'd with your Hand?


 * Ori. To what a Father and a King thinks fit,

A Daughter and a Subject must submit. Think not from Tyranny that Love can grow; I am a Slave, and you have made me so. Those Chains that Duty have put on, remove; Slaves may obey, but they can never love.


 * Con. Cruel Oriana, much you wrong'd my Flame,

To think that I could say so harsh a Claim. Rh