Why should we mourn that he so soon is freed, Or call untimely what the gods decreed? With grief as just, a friend may be deplored, From a foul prison to free air restored, Ought he to thank his kinsman or his wife, Could tears recal him into wretched life? Their sorrow hurts themselves; on him is lost; And worse than both, offends his happy ghost. What then remains, but after past annoy, To take the good vicissitude of joy; To thank the gracious gods for what they give, Possess our souls, and while we live, to live? Ordain we then two sorrows to combine, And in one point the extremes of grief to join; That thence resulting joy may be renew'd, As jarring notes in harmony conclude. Then I propose, that Palamon shall be In marriage join'd with beauteous Emily; For which already I have gain'd the assent Of my free people in full parliament. Long love to her has borne the faithful knight, And well deserved, had fortune done him right; 'Tis time to mend her fault, since Emily, By Arcite's death, from former vows is free.-- If you, fair sister, ratify the accord, And take him for your husband and your lord, 'Tis no dishonour to confer your grace On one descended from a royal race; And were he less, yet years of service past, From grateful souls, exact reward at last. Pity is heaven's and your's; nor can she find A throne so soft as in a woman's mind-- He said: she blush'd; and, as o'erawed by might, Seem'd to give Theseus what she gave the knight. Then, turning to the Theban, thus he said:-- Small arguments are needful to persuade Your temper to comply with my command: And, speaking thus, he gave Emilia's hand. Smiled Venus to behold her own true knight Obtain the conquest, though he lost the fight; And bless'd, with nuptial bliss, the sweet laborious night. Eros and Anteros, on either side, One fired the bridegroom, and one warm'd the bride; And long-attending Hymen, from above, Shower'd on the bed the whole Idalian grove. All of a tenor was their after-life, No day discolour'd with domestic strife; No jealousy, but mutual truth believed Secure repose, and kindness undeceived. Thus Heaven, beyond the compass of his thought, Sent him the blessing he so dearly bought. So may the Queen of Love long duty bless, And all true lovers find the same success.