University of Virginia Library

35. The Mistake.

Tvvas long of Midas who inspir'd
Me with partiality, and injur'd
My clearer judgement, else I had
Not made loves Archery so bad;
Again to me my darts did glide
Too too sublimely, and too wide.
I levell'd with mine eye-sight aim
Toward the center of a Dame,
Whom fortune had with dowries blest,
And sanctity it self exprest;
Whom natures seal had signed pretty,
And noble practise prov'd her witty.
All these I aim'd at, and I thought
To have ensnar'd them, and have caught
Them for my prey; but she deni'd,
And when I shot she slipt aside;
When I said I, she answered no,
And would not bend unto my bow:
When ere I urg'd her to explain
Her mind, she pinch't me with disdain,
No smiles, but frownings waited on
Her sharp responses, whereupon
I did commence to ruminate,
If these were not the signs of hate.
And in my search I proved these
To be the true Antipodes
To my intent: then did I pause
Upon this hate-producing cause
In this fair object. But the quest
Of reason sitting in my breast,
Did soon convince my faith of this,
That my love-darts were shot amiss.
Herein (said they) your folly lies:
You aim'd at her, and she was wise;
Therefore in vain your darts incline,
Prudence with folly will not join.