University of Virginia Library

SCENA QUARTA.

Daphnis.
Nerina , since nor teares nor praiers can move
Thy stubborne heart, Ile see what gifts can do:
They of my ranke, whom most do deeme unworthy
Of any virgins love, being rough, and bred
To mannage the estates our fathers left us,
Unskild in those hid mysteries, which loues
Professors onely know, have yet a way
To gaine our wishes: first we get the father,
He knowes our pleasures, and gives his consent:
The daughters eies being blinded with our gifts
Cannot so soone spie our deformities,
But we may catch her to: This Alcon saies,
A man whom age and observation taught
What I must learne; yet though most women be
Such as he has deliver'd, my Nerina
Seemes not to have regard to what I give,
But holds me and my gifts both at one rate.
What can I hope then out of this poore present,
A looking-glasse, which though within our Plaines
'Tis seldome seene; yet I have heard in Citties,
They are as common as a locke of wooll:
However, if she take it, I am happy,
So Alcon tells me; and he knowes full well,
(He gave it me) that whosoe're shall looke
Her face in it, shall be at my dispose:
In confidence of this I will present it,
And see my Fortune; sure I must needs speed:
My friend, her father comes along with her.
But oh my Fate! is not that Nymph Dorinda
Which keepes them company? Yes, sure 'tis she;
A curse light on her importunitie.
Her father urges something, and I hope
On my behalfe; let me observe a little.