Part 8 (1/2)

Thus whilst so many suppliants woo, } And beg they may thy pity prove, }[46:5]

I only for thy scorn do sue: 'Tis charity here not to love.

THE BRACELET.

Rebellious fools that scorn to bow Beneath Love's easy sway, Whose stubborn wills no laws allow, Disdaining to obey, Mark but this wreath of hair, and you shall see 5 None that might wear such fetters would be free.

I once could boast a soul like you, As unconfin'd as air; But mine, which force could not subdue, Was caught within this snare; 10 And by myself betray'd, I for this gold Have to mine enemy my freedom sold.[47:1]

No longer now, wise Art, inquire, (With this vain search delighted,) How souls that human[47:2] b.r.e.a.s.t.s inspire 15 Are to their frames united: Material chains such spirits well may bind, When this soft braid can tie both arm and mind.

Now, Beauties, I defy your charm, Rul'd by more powerful art: 20 This mystic wreath which crowns my arm Defends my vanquish'd heart;[47:3]

And I, subdu'd by one more fair, shall be Secur'd from conquest by captivity.

THE FAREWELL.

Since Fate commands me hence, and I Must leave my soul with thee, and die, Dear, spare one sigh, or else let fall A tear to crown my funeral, That I may tell my grieved heart 5 Thou art unwilling we should part; And martyrs that embrace the fire Shall with less joy than I expire.

With this last kiss I will bequeath My soul, transfus'd into thy breath, 10 Whose active heat shall gently slide Into thy breast, and there reside, And may, (in spite of Fate thus blest,) Be, in this death, of heaven possess'd.[48:1]

Then prove but kind; and thou shalt see 15 Love hath more power than Destiny.

THE EXCHANGE: DIALOGUE.[49:1]

_Phil[ocharis]._

That kiss which last thou gav'st me, stole My fainting life away; Yet, though to thy breast fled, my soul Still in mine own doth stay.

Weak Nature no such power doth know: } 5 Love only can these wonders show. }[49:2]

_Char[iessa]._

And with the same warm breath did mine Into thy bosom slide, There dwell, contracted unto thine, Yet still with me reside. 10 Weak Nature no such power doth know: Love only can these wonders show.

_Chor[us]._

Both souls thus in desire are one, And each is two in skill, Doubled in intellect alone, 15 United in the will.

Weak Nature no such power doth know: Love only can these wonders show.

THE EXEQUIES.

Draw near, You lovers, that complain Of Fortune or Disdain, And to my ashes lend a tear.

Melt the hard marble with your groans, 5 And soften the relentless stones, Whose cold embraces the sad subject hide } Of all Love's cruelties, and Beauty's pride. }[50:1]

No verse, No epicedium, bring; 10 Nor peaceful requiem sing, To charm the terrors of my hea.r.s.e; No profane numbers must flow near The sacred silence that dwells here.

Vast griefs are dumb: softly, oh softly mourn! 15 Lest you disturb the peace attends my urn.