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Daphne.
Still on Wing, or on his Knees,
Love does nothing by degrees:
Basely flying when most priz'd,
Meanly fawning when despis'd.
Flattering or insulting ever,
Generous and grateful never:
All his Joys are fleeting Dreams,
All his Woes severe Extreams.

Strephon.
Nimph, unjustly you inveigh;
Love, like us, must Fate obey.
Since 'tis Nature's Law to Change,
Constancy alone is strange.
See the Heav'ns in Lightnings break,
Next in Storms of Thunder speak;
Till a kind Rain from above
Makes a Calm—so 'tis in love.
Flames begin our first Address,
Like meeting Thunder we embrace:
Then you know the Show'rs that fall
Quench the fire, and quiet all.

Daphne.
How shou'd I these Show'rs forget,
'Twas so pleasant to be wet;
They kill'd Love, I knew it well,
I dy'd all the while they fell.

14

Say at least what Nimph it is
Robs my Breast of so much Bliss?
If she is fair I shall be eas'd,
Thro' my Ruine you'll be pleas'd.

Strephon.
Daphne never was so fair:
Strephon, scarcely, so sincere.
Gentle, Innocent, and Free,
Ever pleas'd with only me.
Many Charms my Heart enthral,
But there's one above 'em all:
With aversion she does flye
Tedious, trading, Constancy.

Daphne.
Cruel Shepherd! I submit;
Do what Love and you think fit:
Change is Fate, and not Design,
Say you wou'd have still been mine.

Strephon.
Nymph, I cannot: 'tis too true,
Change has greater Charms than you.
Be, by my Example, wise,
Faith to Pleasure sacrifice.

Daphne.
Silly Swain, I'll have you know,
'Twas my practice long ago:
Whilst you Vainly thought me true,
I was false in scorn of you.
By my Tears, my Heart's disguise,
I thy Love and thee despise.
Woman-kind more Joy discovers
Making Fools, than keeping Lovers.