University of Virginia Library

Scena tertia.

Scene changes to the Garden.
Enter Phedima, and Orinda.
Phed.
Sister, you now can by Experience prove
What lately you defy'd, the Pow'r of Love.
'Tis strange the dead Theramnes should obtain
That Conquest, whom alive you did disdain.
What rash Infection does your soul invade,
That you, who scorn'd him living, court his shade!
A Love like yours was never heard before:
T'embrace his Memory, and Name adore.

Orind.
Sister, since I have all assaults withstood,
He by no common force my heart subdu'd.
Such glorious pains my Captive soul endures:
My Love's beyond such abject thoughts as yours.
Your humble passions court each fond desire,
And your Breasts tamely of themselves take fire.
You make your hearts too mean a Sacrifice,
Taking infection from your Lovers eyes.
He did more Nobly to my heart aspire:
He gave me fuel e're he gave me fire.
His Wounds, his Death, his Glory, and his Fame,
They mov'd my pity, and that rais'd my Flame.
Nay, of his Love he Nobler proofs has give'n:
When his late wounds had made him ripe for Heav'n,
His dying breath, before his soul retir'd,
Bequeath'd his Love to me, and then expir'd.
His dying breath his passion did proclaim:
Thus, Phœnix-like, expiring in a Flame.
Then 'tis but just that I should faithfull be,
Thus to preserve so brave a Legacy.

Phed.
But your affection is from hopes debarr'd:
When you can Love, and not expect reward.
Love's kindnesses are lent, not giv'n; for when
There is no hopes to be repaid agen,
It should expire. Dead Lovers bankrupt prove,
Death does exempt 'em from all debts of Love.

Orind.
No, Love is seated in their souls, and they
With them their passions to the Skyes convey.
For when kind Heav'n does entertain their souls,
And to the sacred list of Stars enrowls,
In Heav'n they pay those debts on Earth they owe:
They shine and smile on us that stay below.
They still their Loves and favours do dispense,
Acting their kindness in their Influence.
And when in Heav'n we both together meet;
There we our tyes for ever shall unite.
No objects then my passion remove,
Till it grows up to an Immortal Love.

Phed.
Sister, till now I thought there could not be
A Love like mine, but you out-rival me.—
But stay, my Father's here; let us retire,
And there hear out that passion I admire.

[Exeunt.