Volume Ii Part 28 (1/2)

_Ura_. Yes, pretty Maid, canst tell me any tidings of him?

_Ly_. I cannot tell, by what marks do you know him?

_Ura_. Why, by these--a tempting Face and Shape, A Tongue bewitching soft, and Breath as sweet, As is the welcome Breeze that does restore Life to a Man half kill'd with heat before; But has a Heart as false as Seas in Calms, Smiles first to tempt, then ruins with its Storms.

_Ly_. Oh, fair Urania! there are many more So like your Love, if such a one he be: That you wou'd take each Shepherd to be he: 'Tis grown the fas.h.i.+on now to be forsworn; Oaths are like Garlands made of finest Flowers, Wither as soon as finish'd; They change their Loves as often as their Scrips, And lay their Mistresses aside like Ribbons, Which they themselves have sullied.

_Pim_. Gad, I'll venture in--

_Val_. Fair Women, and so near the Camp!

What are ye, and from whence?

_Pim_. Ha! 'tis no matter for that; ask no Questions, but fall to.

[_Goes to_ Lyces.

_Ura_. I'm not asham'd to tell the one or t'other; I am a Maid, and one of gentle Birth, A _Scythian_ born, an Enemy to thee, Not as thou art a Man, but Friend to _Dacia_.

_Val_. What Sin have I committed, that so fair a Creature should become my Enemy? but since you are so, you must be my Prisoner, unless your Eyes prevent me, and make me yours.

_Pim_. How, take a Woman Prisoner! I hope you are a finer Gentleman than so.

_Val_. But, Madam, do not fear, for I will use you As well as such a Man as I can do.

_Ura_. Though thou be'st rough, thou hast a n.o.ble look, And I believe my Treatment will be gentle.

_Val_. Fair Maid, this Confidence is brave in thee; And though I am not us'd to make returns, Unless in Thunder on my Enemies, Yet name the way, and I will strive to serve you.

_Ura_. Then, Sir, I beg that you would set me free, Nor yet retain me here a Prisoner; But as thou'rt brave, conduct me to the Castle on the Lake, Where young Amintas lies, the Spoil of War.

_Val. Amintas_, Madam, is a gallant Youth, And merits more from Fortune than his Chains; But I could wish (since I have vow'd to serve you) You would command me something Worthy your Beauty, and of that Resolution.

_Ura_. There is no other way to do me service.

_Val_. Then most willingly I will obey you.

_Ura_. But, Sir, I beg this Virgin may depart, Being a _Dacian_, and a neighbouring Villager.

_Val_. All your Commands shall strictly be obey'd.

_Pim_. Pox on her, she's coy, and let her go. Well, Colonel, I doubt you'll be for the Queen by and by.

_Ura_. Here--take this Jewel as a part of payment, For all thy goodness to an unknown Maid. [_To_ Lyces.

And if by chance I ever see thee more, Believe me, _Lyces_, I will quit the score.

[_Ex_. Lyces _weeping_.

[_Exeunt_.

SCENE II. _A Grove of Trees_.

_Within the Scene lies_ Thersander _sleeping, his Cap and Feather at a distance from him_.