 | Decius and Paulina |  |
SCENE II.
Simo, Ida, and Paulina.Ida.
See, where she stands, all pensive and alone,
Occasion favours your Address.
Simo.
Decius by me, his humblest Slave,
To bright Paulina, Mistress of his Vows,
Health and the tendrest Wishes sends,
That Love did e'er inspire.
3
No more,—
Cease your importunate Address.
In vain you strive my Breast to move,
I'm arm'd against the Force of Love:
I'm arm'd against the Force of Love:
No more can Flatt'ries here prevail,
Than Winds that stubborn Oaks assail,
And idly murmur thro' the Grove.
Than Winds that stubborn Oaks assail,
And idly murmur thro' the Grove.
In vain you strive my Breast to move,
I'm arm'd against the Force of Love.
I'm arm'd against the Force of Love.
Simo.
Ah, fair Paulina! if the Charms
Of Decius touch not your relentless Soul,
Yet weigh his Wealth, and boundless Pow'r,
And see how bright these Jewels blaze!
[Shews a Bracelet.
Here Cupid plays with wondrous Art,
And ev'ry sparkling Gem's a Dart.
And ev'ry sparkling Gem's a Dart.
Paul.
Back to thy Lord his treach'rous Presents bear,
And, with them, say how much I scorn his Love.
Ida,
The solemn Hour's at hand
When we at Isis' hallow'd Shrine must bow.
4
[Looking on Simo.
Then I must shun the Place,
For Virtue suffers when it treats with Shame.
Rage, and just Disdain inspire me,
Both contend my Breast t'inflame.
Both contend my Breast t'inflame.
Pride, and conscious Blushes fire me
To protect my injur'd Fame.
To protect my injur'd Fame.
Rage, and just Disdain inspire me,
Both contend my Breast t'inflame.
Both contend my Breast t'inflame.
[Ex. Paulina.
| Decius and Paulina | |