TWELVE o'CLOCK.
Indispensible Duty.
There are certain Duties which one ought never to neglect: That of adoring the Gods is of this nature; and which we ought to pay, from the bottom of our Hearts: And that, Damon, is the only time I will dispense with your not thinking on me. But I would not have you go to one of those Temples, where the celebrated Beauties, and those that make a profession of Gallantry, go; and who come thither only to see, and be seen; and whither they repair, more to shew their Beauty and Dress, than to honour the Gods. If you will take my advice, and oblige my wish, you shall go to those that are least frequented, and you shall appear there like a Man that has a perfect Veneration for all things Sacred.
The Instruction.
Damon, if your Heart and Flame,
You wish, should always be the same,
Do not give it leave to rove,
Nor expose it to new Harms:
Ere you think on't, you may love,
If you gaze on Beauty's Charms:
If with me you wou'd not part,
Turn your Eyes into your Heart.
If you find a new Desire
In your easy Soul take fire,
From the tempting Ruin fly;
Think it faithless, think it base:
Fancy soon will fade and die,
If you wisely cease to gaze.
Lovers should have Honour too,
Or they pay but half Love's due.
Do not to the Temple go,
With design to gaze or show:
Whate'er Thoughts you have abroad,
Tho' you can deceive elsewhere,
There's no feigning with your God;
Souls should be all perfect there.
The Heart that's to the Altar brought,
Only Heaven should fill its Thought.
Do not your sober Thoughts perplex,
By gazing on the Ogling Sex:
Or if Beauty call your Eyes,
Do not on the Object dwell;
Guard your Heart from the Surprize,
By thinking Iris doth excell.
Above all Earthly Things I'd be, }
Damon, most belov'd by thee; }
And only Heaven must rival me. }