Wherefore, in order to escape defeat, Strength from no words of wisdom can we gain, Unto this truth an eye-witness am I. When Nisida ceased to sing and to fill with admiration Galatea and those who had been listening to her, they were already quite near the spot where they had determined to pass the noon-tide hour. But in that short time Belisa had time to fulfil Silveria's request, which was that she should sing something; and she, accompanied by the sound of Arsindo's flute, sang what follows: BELISA. Fancy, that is fancy-free, Listen to the reason why Our fame groweth steadily, Pass the vain affection by, Mother of all injury; For whene'er the soul doth load Itself with some loving load, Bane that takes the life away, Mixed with juice of bitter bay, Is to it but pleasing food. But our precious liberty Should not bartered be nor sold For the greatest quantity Of the best refinèd gold, Best in worth and quality; Shall we bring ourselves to bear Such a loss and heed the prayer Of a lover whom we scorn, If all blessings ever born Do not with such bliss compare? If the grief we cannot bear When the body, free from love, Is confined in prison drear, Shall the pain not greater prove, When the very soul is there? Pain 'twill be of such a kind That no remedy we find For such ill in patience, time, Worth, or learning in its prime, Naught save death alone is kind. Wherefore let my healthy mood From this madness flee away, Leave behind so false a good, Let my free will ever sway Every fancy as it would; Let my tender neck and free Never yield itself to be Placed beneath the loving yoke, Whereby peace is, at a stroke, Slain, and banished liberty.