Carpophorus.
Let us for the present shun
Further notice; lest suspicion
Should betray what we would smother;
Every day we 'll see each other,
When I 'll execute my mission:
I, to cure sin's primal scath,
Will at fitting time baptize you,
Taking care to catechise you
In the principles of the faith;
Only now one admonition
Must I give; be armed, be ready
For the fight most fierce and steady
Ever fought for man's perdition;
Oh! take heed, amid the advances
Of the fair who wish to win you,
'Mid the fires that burn within you,
'Mid lascivious looks and glances,
'Mid such various foes enlisted,
That you are not conquered by them.
Chrysanthus.
Women! oh! who dare defy them
By such dread allies assisted?
Carpophorus.
He whom God assists.
Chrysanthus.
Be swayed
By my tears, and ask him.
Carpophorus.
You
Must too ask him: for he who
Aids himself, him God doth aid.
Polemius.
What, sir, think you of his case?