Page:The Hind and the Panther - Dryden (1687).djvu/130

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
120
The Hind and the Panther.
Possess your soul with patience, and attend:
A more auspicious Planet may ascend;
Good fortune may present some happier time,
With means to cancell my unwilling crime;
(Unwilling, witness all ye Pow'rs above)
To mend my errours and redeem your love:
That little space you safely may allow,
Your all-dispensing pow'r protects you now.

Hold, said the Hind, 'tis needless to explain;
You wou'd postpone me to another reign:
Till when you are content to be unjust,
Your part is to possess, and mine to trust.
A fair exchange propos'd of future chance,
For present profit and inheritance:
Few words will serve to finish our dispute,
Who will not now repeal wou'd persecute;
To ripen green revenge your hopes attend,
Wishing that happier Planet wou'd ascend:

For