CAT AND PUSS.
95
P. At once I'm happy, and unhappy too,
In being pleas'd, and in displeasing you.
C. Prepost'rous Way of Pleasure, and of Love,
That contrary to its own End would move!
75 'Tis rather Hate, that covets to destroy;
Love's Business is to love, and to enjoy.
P. Enjoying and destroying are all one,
As Flames destroy that which they feed upon.
C. He never lov'd at any gen'rous Rate,
80 That in th'Enjoyment found his Flame abate.
As Wine (the Friend of Love) is wont to make
The Thirst more violent, it pretends to flake;
So should Fruition do the Lovers fire,
Instead of lessening, inflame Desire.
85 P. What greater Proof, that Passion do's transport,
When, what I would dye for, I'm forc'd to hurt?
C. Death among Lovers is a Thing despis'd,
And far below a sullen Humour priz'd.
That is more scorn'd, and rail'd at than the Gods,
90 When they are crost in Love, or fall at odds.
But since you understand not what you do,
I am the Judge of what I feel, not you.
P. Passion begins indifferent to prove,
When Love considers any Thing but Love.
In being pleas'd, and in displeasing you.
C. Prepost'rous Way of Pleasure, and of Love,
That contrary to its own End would move!
75 'Tis rather Hate, that covets to destroy;
Love's Business is to love, and to enjoy.
P. Enjoying and destroying are all one,
As Flames destroy that which they feed upon.
C. He never lov'd at any gen'rous Rate,
80 That in th'Enjoyment found his Flame abate.
As Wine (the Friend of Love) is wont to make
The Thirst more violent, it pretends to flake;
So should Fruition do the Lovers fire,
Instead of lessening, inflame Desire.
85 P. What greater Proof, that Passion do's transport,
When, what I would dye for, I'm forc'd to hurt?
C. Death among Lovers is a Thing despis'd,
And far below a sullen Humour priz'd.
That is more scorn'd, and rail'd at than the Gods,
90 When they are crost in Love, or fall at odds.
But since you understand not what you do,
I am the Judge of what I feel, not you.
P. Passion begins indifferent to prove,
When Love considers any Thing but Love.