_Pol._ That's well contrived; then thus let's go together, Full of our guilt, distracted where to roam, Like the first wretched pair expelled their paradise. Let's find some place where adders nest in winter, Loathsome and venomous; where poisons hang Like gums against the walls; where witches meet By night, and feed upon some pampered imp, Fat with the blood of babes: there we'll inhabit, And live up to the height of desperation. Desire shall languish like a withering flower, And no distinction of the sex be thought of. Horrors shall fright me from those pleasing harms, And I'll no more be caught with beauty's charms; But when I'm dying, take me in thy arms! [_Exeunt._ [Illustration] [Illustration] ACT THE FIFTH. SCENE I.--_The Garden before_ ACASTO'S _House_. CASTALIO _discovered lying on the ground_. SONG. Come, all ye youths, whose hearts e'er bled By cruel beauty's pride; Bring each a garland on his head, Let none his sorrows hide: But hand in hand around me move, Singing the saddest tales of love; And see, when your complaints ye join, If all your wrongs can equal mine. The happiest mortal once was I; My heart no sorrows knew: Pity the pain with which I die; But ask not whence it grew. Yet if a tempting fair you find, That's very lovely, very kind, Though bright as Heaven, whose stamp she bears, Think of my fate, and shun her snares. _Cast._ See where the deer trot after one another, Male, female, father, daughter, mother, son, Brother and sister, mingled all together; No discontent they know, but in delightful Wildness and freedom, pleasant springs, fresh herbage, Calm harbours, lusty health and innocence, Enjoy their portion; if they see a man, How will they turn together all, and gaze Upon the monster! Once in a season too they taste of love: Only the beast of reason is its slave, And in that folly drudges all the year. _Enter_ ACASTO. _Acast._ Castalio! Castalio! _Cast._ Who's there So wretched but to name Castalio? _Acast._ I hope my message may succeed. _Cast._ My father! 'Tis joy to see you, though where sorrow's nourished. _Acast._ I'm come in beauty's cause; you'll guess the rest. _Cast._ A woman! if you love my peace of mind, Name not a woman to me; but to think Of woman, were enough to taint my brains, Till they ferment to madness! O my father! _Acast._ What ails my boy? _Cast._ A woman is the thing I would forget, and blot from my remembrance. _Acast._ Forget Monimia! _Cast._ She to choose: Monimia! The very sound's ungrateful to my sense.