Demure and chaste as any vestal nun, The meekest creature that beholds the sun! But, by th' immortal powers, I feel the pain, And he that smarts has reason to complain. 205 Do what you list, for me; you must be sage, And cautious sure; for wisdom is in age: But at these years to venture on the fair![20] By him, who made the ocean, earth, and air, To please a wife, when her occasions call, 210 Would busy the most vig'rous of us all. And trust me, sir, the chastest you can chuse Will ask observance, and exact her dues. If what I speak my noble lord offend, My tedious sermon here is at an end.[21] 215 'Tis well, 'tis wond'rous well, the knight replies, Most worthy kinsman, faith you're mighty wise! We, sirs, are fools; and must resign the cause To heath'nish authors, proverbs, and old saws. He spoke with scorn, and turned another way:-- 220 What does my friend, my dear Placebo, say? I say, quoth he, by heav'n the man's to blame, To slander wives, and wedlock's holy name. At this the council rose, without delay; Each, in his own opinion, went his way; 225 With full consent, that, all disputes appeased, The knight should marry, when and where he pleased. Who now but January exults with joy? The charms of wedlock all his soul employ: Each nymph by turns his wav'ring mind possessed, 230 And reigned the short-lived tyrant of his breast; Whilst fancy pictured ev'ry lively part, And each bright image wandered o'er his heart. Thus, in some public forum fixed on high, A mirror shows the figures moving by; 235 Still one by one, in swift succession, pass The gliding shadows o'er the polished glass. This lady's charms the nicest could not blame, But vile suspicions had aspersed her fame; That was with sense, but not with virtue, blest: 240 And one had grace, that wanted all the rest. Thus doubting long what nymph he should obey, He fixed at last upon the youthful May. Her faults he knew not, love is always blind, But ev'ry charm revolved within his mind: 245 Her tender age, her form divinely fair, Her easy motion, her attractive air, Her sweet behaviour, her enchanting face, Her moving softness, and majestic grace.[22] Much in his prudence did our knight rejoice, 250 And thought no mortal could dispute his choice:[23] Once more in haste he summoned ev'ry friend, And told them all, their pains were at an end.[24] Heav'n, that (said he) inspired me first to wed, Provides a consort worthy of my bed: 255 Let none oppose th' election, since on this