Depends my quiet, and my future bliss.[25] A dame there is, the darling of my eyes, Young, beauteous, artless, innocent, and wise; Chaste, though not rich; and though not nobly born, 260 Of honest parents, and may serve my turn.[26] Her will I wed, if gracious heav'n so please; To pass my age in sanctity and ease; And thank the pow'rs, I may possess alone The lovely prize, and share my bliss with none! 265 If you, my friends, this virgin can procure, My joys are full, my happiness is sure. One only doubt remains: Full oft, I've heard, By casuists grave, and deep divines averred; That 'tis too much for human race to know 270 The bliss of heav'n above, and earth below. Now should the nuptial pleasures prove so great, To match the blessings of the future state, Those endless joys were ill exchanged for these; Then clear this doubt, and set my mind at ease.[27] 275 This Justin heard, nor could his spleen controul, Touched to the quick, and tickled at the soul. Sir knight, he cried, if this be all your dread, Heav'n put it past your doubt, whene'er you wed; And to my fervent prayers so far consent, 280 That ere the rites are o'er, you may repent! Good heav'n, no doubt, the nuptial state approves, Since it chastises still what best it loves. Then be not, sir, abandoned to despair; } Seek, and perhaps you'll find among the fair, } 285 One, that may do your business to a hair; } Not ev'n in wish, your happiness delay, But prove the scourge to lash you on your way: Then to the skies your mounting soul shall go, Swift as an arrow soaring from the bow! 290 Provided still, you moderate your joy, Nor in your pleasures all your might employ; Let reason's rule your strong desires abate, Nor please too lavishly your gentle mate. Old wives there are, of judgment most acute, 295 Who solve these questions beyond all dispute; Consult with those, and be of better cheer; Marry, do penance, and dismiss your fear. So said, they rose, no more the work delayed;[28] The match was offered, the proposals made 300 The parents, you may think, would soon comply; The old have int'rest ever in their eye. Nor was it hard to move the lady's mind; When fortune favours, still the fair are kind.[29] I pass each previous settlement and deed, 305 Too long for me to write, or you to read; Nor will with quaint impertinence display The pomp, the pageantry, the proud array.[30] The time approached, to church the parties went, At once with carnal and devout intent:[31] 310