And were by magic’s mighty art withstood,
The kind historian, for the dame afraid,
Gave to the faithful knight the stronger aid.
A downright “No!” would make a man despair,
Or leave for kinder nymph the cruel fair;
But “No! because I’m very happy now;
Because I dread th’ irrevocable vow;
Because I fear papa will not approve; 110
Because I love not—No, I cannot love;
Because you men of Cupid make a jest;