Page:Poems upon Several Occasions.djvu/153

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
The British Enchanters.
141

Can, when I please, be good; and none shall dare
Preach or expound, but what their King wou'd hear.
E'er they interpret let 'em mark my Nod,
My voice their Thunder, this right Arm their God.
Prince, take your Bride.

Ori. 'Twere impious now to suffer him my Hand.

[Refusing to Constantius, who offers to take her Hand.

Cel. How dar'st thou disobey, when I command?
Mind, mind her not, nor be disturb'd at Tears,

[To Constantius.
A counterfeited Qualm of Bridal Fears;

All feign'd and false; while her Desires are more
A real Fire, but a dissembled Show'r;
You'd see, cou'd you her inward Motions watch,
Feigning Delay, she wishes for Dispatch;
Into a Woman's Meaning wou'd you look,
Then read her backward, like a Wizard's Book.
On to the Temple lead—

Ori. Obedience is your Due, which I must pay;
But as a Lover I command you,—— Stay.

[Again rejecting his Hand.
Obeying him, I'll be obey'd by you.


Con. Not Saints to Heav'n with more Submission bow:
I have no will but what your Eyes ordain:
Destin'd to Love, as they are doom'd to reign,

Cel.