AMYNTAS.
55
Thither will I repair, and midst the shrubs
And bushes lie concealed, and wait her coming.
First will I feast upon her naked charms;
Then, stung with love, and rage, rush out upon her.
How shall a tender maid my fierce attack
Baffle by opposition, or by flight?
What will they prove against my strength, and swiftness?
Her tears, her eloquence, inforced by beauty,
Shall nought avail; I'll rifle all her charms;
And after I will take more deep revenge.
This vengeful hand I'll fasten in her locks;
And with her blood I will distain the ground:
Her pride shall pay the forfeit of her life;
Her life the victim which my honour calls for:
A puny mortal hath despised a god.
For slighted tenderness is sure to find
Just vindication from a generous mind;
The bosom feels a new, destructive fire,
Which deadens pity, but inflames desire.
And bushes lie concealed, and wait her coming.
First will I feast upon her naked charms;
Then, stung with love, and rage, rush out upon her.
How shall a tender maid my fierce attack
Baffle by opposition, or by flight?
What will they prove against my strength, and swiftness?
Her tears, her eloquence, inforced by beauty,
Shall nought avail; I'll rifle all her charms;
And after I will take more deep revenge.
This vengeful hand I'll fasten in her locks;
And with her blood I will distain the ground:
Her pride shall pay the forfeit of her life;
Her life the victim which my honour calls for:
A puny mortal hath despised a god.
For slighted tenderness is sure to find
Just vindication from a generous mind;
The bosom feels a new, destructive fire,
Which deadens pity, but inflames desire.
SCENE
