LENIO. Unknown, ungrateful Love, that dost appal At times the gallant hearts of all our race, And with vain shapes and shades fantastical In the free soul dost countless fetters place, If, proud of godhead, thou thyself dost call By such a lofty name, spurn in disgrace Him, who, surrendered to the marriage tie, To a new noose would yield his fantasy. Strive thou that pure and spotless evermore The law of holy wedlock may remain, Turn thou thy mind thereto with all thy power, Unfurl thy banner on this fair champaign, See what sweet fruit he hopes, what lovely flower, For little toil, who doth himself constrain To bear this yoke, as duty bids and right; For, though a burden, 'tis a burden light. Thou canst, if thou no more rememberest Thy misdeeds and thy peevish character, Make glad the marriage bed, the happy nest, Wherein the nuptial yoke unites the pair; Set thyself in their soul, and in their breast Until their life have ended its career, Then may they go (and to this hope we cling) To enjoy the pleasures of the eternal spring. Do thou the shepherd's tiny cot pass by, To do his duty leave the shepherd free, Fly higher yet, since thou so high dost fly, Seek for a better pastime, nobler be: To make of souls a sacrifice on high Thou toilest and dost watch;--'tis vanity, If thou dost bring them not with better mind To the sweet union Hymen hath designed. The mighty hand of thy amazing might Thou canst herein to all the world display, Making the tender bride in love delight, And by her bridegroom be beloved alway; The infernal jealous madness that doth blight Their peace and comfort, thou canst drive away; Suffer not scornful harsh disdain to keep Far from their eyelids sweet refreshing sleep.