My hope, my love, and fortune thus were crost."

Proceeding further, Reason bad me stay

For the Defendant had some thing to say.

Then to the Judge, for justice, loud I cried!

And so I pausèd: and Love thus replied.

[Love's Reply to the Author.]

"Since Reason ought to lend indifferent ears

Unto both parties, and judge as truth appears;

Most gracious Lady! give me leave to speak,

And answer his Complaint, that seeks to wreak