Which can alone the ponderous lance command. In the same room by chance the royal maid } Was lodged, and, by his seeming sex betrayed, } Close to her side the youthful hero laid. } I know not how his courtship he began; But, to her cost, she found it was a man. 'Tis thought she struggled; but withal 'tis thought, Her wish was to be conquered when she fought. For when disclosed, and hastening to the field, He laid his distaff down, and took the shield; With tears her humble suit she did prefer, And thought to stay the grateful[46] ravisher. She sighs, she sobs, she begs him not to part; And now 'tis nature, what before was art. She strives by force her lover to detain, And wishes to be ravished once again. This is the sex; they will not first begin, But, when compelled, are pleased to suffer sin. Is there, who thinks that women first should woo? Lay by thy self-conceit, thou foolish beau! Begin, and save their modesty the shame; 'Tis well for thee, if they receive thy flame. 'Tis decent for a man to speak his mind; They but expect the occasion to be kind. Ask, that thou may'st enjoy; she waits for this; And on thy first advance depends thy bliss: Even Jove himself was forced to sue for love; None of the nymphs did first solicit Jove. But if you find your prayers increase her pride, Strike sail awhile, and wait another tide. They fly when we pursue; but make delay, And, when they see you slacken, they will stay. Sometimes it profits to conceal your end; Name not yourself her lover, but her friend. How many skittish girls have thus been caught! He proved a lover, who a friend was thought. Sailors by sun and wind are swarthy made; A tanned complexion best becomes their trade: 'Tis a disgrace to ploughmen to be fair; Bluff cheeks they have, and weather-beaten hair: The ambitious youth, who seeks an olive crown, Is sun-burnt with his daily toil, and brown; But if the lover hopes to be in grace, Wan be his looks, and meagre be his face. That colour from the fair compassion draws; She thinks you sick, and thinks herself the cause. Orion wandered in the woods for love; } His paleness did the nymphs to pity move; } His ghastly visage argued hidden love. } Nor fail a night-cap, in full health, to wear; Neglect thy dress, and discompose thy hair. All things are decent, that in love avail; Read long by night, and study to be pale; Forsake your food, refuse your needful rest, Be miserable, that you may be blest. Shall I complain, or shall I warn you most? } Faith, truth, and friendship in the world are lost; } A little and an empty name they boast. }