And did not steer a nearer course, To fall a-board on his amours? And what at first was held a crime, 235 Has turn'd to honourable in time. To what a height did <i> infant ROME, By ravishing of women, come When men upon their spouses seiz'd, And freely marry'd where they pleas'd, 240 They ne'er forswore themselves, nor ly'd. Nor, in the mind they were in, dy'd; Nor took the pains t' address and sue, Nor play'd the masquerade to woo; Disdain'd to stay for friends' consents; 245 Nor juggled about settlements: Did need no license, nor no priest, Nor friends, nor kindred, to assist; Nor lawyers, to join land and money In th' holy state of matrimony, 250 Before they settled hands and hearts, Till <k> alimony or death them parts: Nor wou'd endure to stay until Th' had got the very bride's good will; But took a wise and shorter course 255 To win the ladies, downright force. And justly made 'em prisoners then, As they have often since, us men, With acting plays, and dancing jigs, The luckiest of all love's intrigues; 260 And when they had them at their pleasure, Then talk'd of love and flames at leisure; For after matrimony's over, He that holds out but half a lover, Deserves for ev'ry minute more 265 Than half a year of love before; For which the dames in contemplation Of that best way of application, Prov'd nobler wives than e'er was known, By suit or treaty to be won; 270 And such as all posterity Cou'd never equal nor come nigh.