Ambition, Love, whatever can inspire
A mutual Flame, Glory, and young Desire,
To guide and to adorn the destin'd Choice conspire.
If Greatness then with Beauty may compare,
And sure the Great are form'd but for the Fair,
Then 'tis most plain, that all the Gods decree
That I was born for you, and you for me.
Cor. Nuptials of Form, of Int'rest, or of State,
Those Seeds of Pride, are fruitful in Debate;
Let happy Men for generous Love declare,
And chuse the needy Virgin, Chaste and Fair:
Let Women to superior Fortune born:
For naked Virtue all Temptations scorn,
The Charm's immortal to a gallant Mind,
If Gratitude cement whom Love has joyn'd.
And Providence, not niggardly, but wise,
Here lavishly bestows, and there denies,
That by each other's Virtue we may rise:
Weak the bare Tye of Man and Wife we find;
But Friend and Benefactor always bind.
Enter King Celius with a Guard of Britons.
Cel. Our Priests recover, 'twas a holy Cheat,
Lead back the Bride, the Ceremonies wait.
Ori. What Heav'n forbids———
Cel. 'Twas Ignorance of my Will,
Our Priests have better learnt: What now is ill,
