And by these slights, my careless youth beguiled. Thus did I fare, as one that living died, (For greater pains, I think, hath no man tried) Disquiet thoughts, like furies in my breast Nourished the poison that my spirits possesst. Now Grief, then Joy; now War, then Peace unstable, Nought sure I had, but to be miserable. I cannot utter all, I must confess. Men may conceive more than they can express! But (to be short), which cannot be excused, With vain illusions, LOVE, my hope abused; Persuading me I stood upon firm ground When, unawares, myself on sands I found. This is the point which most I do enforce! That Love, without all pity or remorse, Did suffer me to languish still in grief Void of contentment, succour, or relief: And when I looked my pains should be rewarded, I did perceive, that they were nought regarded. For why? Alas, these hapless eyes did see ALCILIA loved another more than me! So in the end, when I expected most; My hope, my love, and fortune thus were crost." Proceeding further, REASON bad me stay For the Defendant had some thing to say. Then to the Judge, for justice, loud I cried! And so I pausèd: and LOVE thus replied. FOOTNOTE: [Footnote 11: _pincers._] [_LOVE'S Reply to the Author._] "Since REASON ought to lend indifferent ears Unto both parties, and judge as truth appears; Most gracious Lady! give me leave to speak, And answer his Complaint, that seeks to wreak His spite and malice on me, without cause; In charging me to have transgressed thy laws! Of all his follies, he imputes the blame To me, poor LOVE! that nought deserves the same. Himself it is, that hath abusèd me! As by mine answer, shall well proved be. Fond youth! thou knowest what I for thee effected! Though, now, I find it little be respected. I purged thy wit, which was before but gross. The metal pure, I severed from the dross, And did inspire thee with my sweetest fire That kindled in thee Courage and Desire: Not like unto those servile Passions Which cumber men's imaginations With Avarice, Ambition, and Vainglory; Desire of things fleeting and transitory. No base conceit, but such as Powers above Have known and felt, I mean, th' Instinct of Love; Which making men, all earthly things despise, Transports them to a heavenly paradise. Where thou complain'st of sorrows in thy heart, Who lives on earth but therein hath his part? Are these thy fruits? Are these thy best rewards For all the pleasing glances, sly regards, The sweet stol'n kisses, amorous conceits, So many smiles, so many fair intreats, Such kindness as ALCILIA did bestow All for my sake! as well thyself dost know? That LOVE should thus be used, it is hateful! But 'all is lost, that's done for one ungrateful.'