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STREPHON and PHILLIS.

A Dialogue set by Mr. King; Servant to his MAJESTY.
[_]

Speakers' names have been abbreviated in this text. The abbreviations used for major characters are as follows:

  • For Streph. read Strephon;
  • For Phil. read Phillis.

A soft Symphony of Instruments.

Streph.
Hear, Phillis, hear my humble Tale,
And then pronounce my Destiny;
If Truth and Honour can't prevail,
It is my Fate, and I must dye.
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But should my Death Injustice prove,
It would offend the God of Love,
And might on you his Vengeance move.

Phil.
Why, Shepherd, what have I to do
With Strephon, or his Destiny?
No, no, dissembling Wretch, 'tis you
That would contrive to ruine me;
When, by a soft inchanting Art,
You would a secret Flame impart,
To Fire the Temple of my heart.

Stre.
What can a wretched Swain contrive
Against the force of matchless Charms?
I only ask that I may live,
Or if I dye, dye in your Arms:
I languish in so warm Desire,
And burn with such a Noble Fire;
As can't without my life expire.

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Phil.
Cou'd I your Sighs and Vows believe,
I should encline to pity you,
But 'tis your Bus'ness to deceive,
And not your Nature to be true.
Begon then, flatt'ring Youth, begon,
And leave me in these shades alone,
For if I love, I am undone.

Another Symphony of Instruments.

CHORUS.
But see what Crowds of Cupids stand to hear,
And seem to laugh at what we vainly fear;
Let us, like them, all Dreams of Ill despise,
And bravely on to win a noble Prize.

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