Through all her works!), he must delight in virtue! And that which he delights in, must be happy! But when? or where? This world was made for CÆSAR! I'm weary of conjectures! This must end them! [Laying his hand on his sword. Thus am I doubly armed! My death and life, My bane and antidote, are both before me! This, in a moment, brings me to an end; But this informs me, I shall never die! The Soul, secured in her existence, smiles At the drawn dagger, and defies its point! The stars shall fade away, the sun himself Grow dim with age, and Nature sink in years: But thou shalt flourish in immortal youth; Unhurt amidst the war of Elements, The wrecks of Matter, and the crush of Worlds! What means this heaviness, that hangs upon me? This lethargy, that creeps through all my senses? Nature, oppressed and harassed out with care, Sinks down to rest. This once, I'll favour her! That my awakened Soul may take her flight, Renewed in all her strength, and fresh with life, An off'ring fit for Heaven! Let guilt, or fear, Disturb Man's rest: CATO knows neither of them! Indiff'rent in his choice, to sleep, or die. WHY, DAMON! why, why, why so pressing? Beauty's worthless! fading! flying! Fix, fix your thoughts on what 's inviting! They're much more worth than Gold and Beauty! And you'll no more, no more repine! WHEN DAPHNE first her Shepherd saw; When, at her feet, he sighing lay, The little God stood laughing by, DAMON. Cease, fair CALISTRIS! cease disdaining! CALISTRIS. DAMON, be gone! I hate complying! Than in the conquests I have made! DAMON. Why, cruel Nymph! why, why so slighting? CALISTRIS. DAMON, be gone! I hate complying! Of all the torments, all the cares, In Love alone, we hate to find SYLVIA! for all the pangs you see THE DESPAIRING LOVER. DISTRACTED with care For PHILLIS the fair, Since nothing could move her, Resolves, in despair, No longer to languish, Nor bear so much anguish! But, mad with his love, Would soon finish his woes! When, in rage, he came there, And the bottom how deep! His torments projecting, And sadly reflecting That a Lover forsaken, A new Love may get; But a neck, when once broken, Can never be set! And that he could die Whenever he would; But that he could live But as long as he could! How grievous soever The torment might grow; He scorned to endeavour To finish it so! But bold, unconcerned At thoughts of the pain, He calmly returned To his cottage again. |