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The Grecian Story

Being an Historical Poem, in Five Books. To which is Annex'd The Grove: Consisting of Divers Shorter Poems upon several Subjects. By J. H. [i.e. John Harington]
  

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I doubt perchance (reply'd Candora there)
The truth of those; nor does that Coin appear
Alike to all; Opinions, Fancies vary
What Beauty's or Perfections name may carry:
Such Men i'th' World. Valenson strait replys;
Sure, Madam, You may read Love in my Eyes.
Those proue false Books (said she again) as Tongues
False speakers oft; could we, to whom belongs,

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Judg well by them (weak Woman-kind, Alass!
How many might choose better Husbands, pass
For happier Wives! You now withal may Love,
Yet change soon afterwards, inconstant prove.
I beg, intreat, fair Madam, Try me then,
Valenson said: She joyned there agen;
But I must take before I try, be bound
In Wedlock fast. Those future Points Profound,
Madam (said he) none can presage, they may,
Where likeliest thought suppose that's Truth you say,
My Lord; She strait reply'd. When further he;
And I shall crave that Candor, Charity,
You'll now Believe my Love and Hope the best
For dark, succeeding Times with gentle brest:
Strong, Solemn Vows if more confirming Spell,
Command, they ready are. You can speak well,
My Lord (Candora joyn'd) would Action prove
The Consequence; howe'er (Hand strait did move.
Behind that Couch, took Chaplet thence beneath)
I crown you thus with this fair Laurel-wreath,
As Person of much Honour, high desert:
Adorn'd his Head: while star'd (view'd closing part)
Melargon first; then Rub'd his Louring Brow;
Since Rival's Crown'd (as seem'd) Victorious now
In th' Amorous Combat Conqueror; for he
Wish'd handsom Wife, tho ranging thoughts, still free.
Valenson's Words; as your fair hand hath made,
Madam, this Wreath more green appear, display'd
Fresh Beauties thence; so my rais'd Hope doth spring
(Pardon presumptuous Heart) more flourishing.
My Lord (she joyn'd) I must withdraw some while,
Another waits for me (also, pleas'd Smile)
Departs the Room. Valenson's thoughts advanc'd:
Melargon frown'd; that way no longer glanc'd.