Each lover had his mistress in his eye; And whom he saw most suiting to his mind, For joys of matrimonial rape designed. Scarce could they wait the plaudit in their haste; But, ere the dances and the song were past, The monarch gave the signal from his throne, And, rising, bade his merry men fall on. The martial crew, like soldiers ready prest, Just at the word, (the word too was, "The best,") With joyful cries each other animate; Some choose, and some at hazard seize their mate. As doves from eagles, or from wolves the lambs, So from their lawless lovers fly the dames. Their fear was one, but not one face of fear; } Some rend the lovely tresses of their hair; } Some shriek, and some are struck with dumb despair. } Her absent mother one invokes in vain; } One stands amazed, not daring to complain; } The nimbler trust their feet, the slow remain. } But nought availing, all are captives led, Trembling and blushing, to the genial bed. She who too long resisted, or denied, } The lusty lover made by force a bride; } And, with superior strength, compelled her to his side. } Then soothed her thus:--My soul's far better part, Cease weeping, nor afflict thy tender heart; For what thy father to thy mother was, That faith to thee, that solemn vow I pass.-- Thus Romulus became so popular; This was the way to thrive in peace and war. To pay his army, and fresh whores to bring,-- Who would not fight for such a gracious king? Thus love in theatres did first improve, And theatres are still the scenes of love. Nor shun the chariot's, and the courser's race; The circus is no inconvenient place. No need is there of talking on the hand; Nor nods, nor signs, which lovers understand: But boldly next the fair your seat provide; Close as you can to hers, and side by side. Pleased or unpleased, no matter, crowding sit; For so the laws of public shows permit. Then find occasion to begin discourse; Inquire, whose chariot this, and whose that horse? To whatsoever side she is inclined, Suit all your inclinations to her mind; Like what she likes; from thence your court begin; And whom she favours, wish that he may win. But when the statues of the deities, } In chariots rolled, appear before the prize; } When Venus comes, with deep devotion rise. } If dust be on her lap, or grains of sand, Brush both away with your officious hand; If none be there, yet brush that nothing thence, And still to touch her lap make some pretence. Touch any thing of hers; and if her train } Sweep on the ground, let it not sweep in vain, }