Gives expectation such an ample field, As would move goddesses themselves to yield. But if I e'er offend great Juno's laws, Yourself shall be the dear, the only cause; Either my honour I'll to death maintain, Or follow you, without mean thoughts of gain. Not that so fair a present I despise; We like the gift, when we the giver prize: But 'tis your love moves me, which made you take Such pains, and run such hazards for my sake. I have perceived, though I dissembled too, A thousand things that love has made you do. Your eager eyes would almost dazzle mine, In which, wild man, your wanton thoughts would shine. Sometimes you'd sigh, sometimes disordered stand, And with unusual ardour press my hand; Contrive just after me to take the glass, Nor would you let the least occasion pass; When oft I feared, I did not mind alone, And blushing sate for things which you have done; Then murmured to myself,--he'll for my sake Do any thing;--I hope 'twas no mistake. Oft have I read within this pleasing grove, Under my name, those charming words,--I love. I, frowning, seemed not to believe your flame; But now, alas! am come to write the same. If I were capable to do amiss, I could not but be sensible of this. For oh! your face has such peculiar charms, That who can hold from flying to your arms! But what I ne'er can have without offence, May some blest maid possess with innocence. Pleasure may tempt, but virtue more should move; O learn of me to want the thing you love. What you desire is sought by all mankind; As you have eyes, so others are not blind. Like you they see, like you my charms adore; They wish not less, but you dare venture more. Oh! had you then upon our coasts been brought, My virgin-love when thousand rivals sought, You had I seen, you should have had my voice, Nor could my husband justly blame my choice. For both our hopes, alas! you come too late; Another now is master of my fate. More to my wish I could have lived with you, And yet my present lot can undergo. Cease to solicit a weak woman's will, And urge not her you love to so much ill; But let me live contented as I may, And make not my unspotted fame your prey. Some right you claim, since naked to your eyes Three goddesses disputed beauty's prize; One offered valour, t'other crowns; but she Obtained her cause, who, smiling, promised me. But first I am not of belief so light, To think such nymphs would shew you such a sight; Yet granting this, the other part is feigned; A bribe so mean your sentence had not gained. With partial eyes I should myself regard, To think that Venus made me her reward. I humbly am content with human praise; A Goddess's applause would envy raise. But be it as you say; for, 'tis confest,