Or in thy unrelenting breast
Should I[46:3] disdain or coyness move,
|
He by thy hate might be releas’d,15 Who now is prisoner to thy love. | } |
[46:4] |
Since, then, unkind Fate will divorce
Those whom affection long united,
Be thou as cruel as this force,
And I in death shall be delighted.20
|
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 see5
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] breasts inspire15
Are to their frames united:
Material chains such spirits well may bind,
When this soft braid can tie both arm and mind.