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Argalvs and Parthenia

Written by Fra: Quarles

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Thus when Amphialus had put out this Lampe,
This Lampe of honour, he forsooke the Campe;
And, like a willing pris'ner, was confinde
To the strict limits of a troubled minde;
No Iury need b'impanell'd, or agreed

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Vpon the verdict; none, to attest the deed;
None to giue sentence, in the Iudgement hall;
Himselfe was witnesse, Iury, Iudge, and all;
Where now we leaue him, whilst we turne our eyes
Vpon Partheniaes women, whose fierce cryes
Inforce a helplesse audience. It is said,
When Troy was taken, such a cry was made.
One snatcht Partheniaes sword, resolu'd to dye
Partheniaes death: another, rauing by,
Stroue for the weapon; through which eager strife,
They both were hindred; and each sau'd a life:
Others, whom wiser passion had taught how
To grieue at easier rates, did rudely throw
Their carelesse bodies on the purple floore;
Where, sprinkling dust vpon their heads, they tore
Their tangled haire, and garments, drencht in teares;
And cryed, as if Partheniaes blessed eares
Could heare the voice of griefe; such griefes as would
Returne her from her glory, if they could;
Each heart was turn'd a wardrobe of true passion,
Where griefes were cloathed in a seuerall fashion;
Sometimes their sorrow would recall to view
Her vertue, chastnesse, sweetnesse, and renew
Their wasted passions; and, oft-times, they bann'd
Themselues, for obeying her vniust command.