University of Virginia Library

Maddam (said he) when as their marriage day
Drew neare; mischiefe, that now was bent to play
Vpon the Stage, her studied master prize,
With ougly leprosie did so disguise
Her beauteous face, that she became a terrour
To her owne selfe: But Argalus the mirrour
Of truest constancy, (whose loyall heart,
Not guided by his eye, disdain'd to start
From his past vowes) did, in despight of fortune,
Pursue his fixt desires, and importune
Th'entended mariage ne'erthelesse: But she,
Whom reason now had taught to disagree
VVith her distracted thoughts, stands deafe and mute,
And at the last, to auoyd his further suit,
Not making any priuie to her slight,
She quits the house, and steales away by night;
But Maddam, when as Argalus perceiu'd
That she was fled; and being quite bereau'd
Of his last hope poore louer, he assayes
By toylesome pilgrimage to end his dayes,
Or finde her out: Now twice sixe months haue run
Their tedious courses, since he first begun
His fruitlesse iourney, ranging farre and neare,
Suffering as many sorrowes as a yeare
Could send; and made by the extreames of weather
Vnapt for trauell, fortune brought him thither;
VVhere he as yet remaines, till time shall make
His wasted bodie fit to vndertake
His discontented progresse, and renew
His great enquest for her, who at first view,
Maddam, you seem'd to be.