University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

Enter Paris to Oenone and Florinda.
Par.
Where hast Thou been, Thou Queen of my Desires,
Thou dearest Partner of my softest Fires?
With Longing Eyes I've sought Thee thro' the Grove;
A Moment's Absence seems an Age in Love.

Oeno.
My faithful Paris is my Soul's Delight,
My Wish by Day, and all my Dream by Night.
The softest Language never can impart
The secret Transports of my Yielding Heart;
While I Thy Beauteous Form, Kind Swain, survey,
And gaze with Joy my very Soul away.

Paris.
My Dear Oenone's brighter than a Star;
Stars I have seen, but ne'r saw one so Fair.
Cou'd Heav'n some greater Master-piece devise,
Adorn'd with all the Glories of the Skies;
Yet still in vain That Nymph shou'd rival Thee,
Unless he made another Heart for me.

Oeno.
With how much Ease, I, whom I love, believe;
And Want of Worth for One so Good I grieve.
I'll never more remove me from thy Sight:
Thou shalt my Guardian be, I thy Delight.

Paris.
For Love of Thee, ev'n Queens I cou'd despise,
And own the Triumph of Oenone's Eyes.

Oeno.
Not Beds of State cou'd half so grateful be,
As Mossy Banks, and New fall'n Leaves with Thee.

Paris.
Oh! Thou art dearer to my Soul than Rest
To Mariners, with Winds and Storms opprest:
More dear than to the sordid Miser Gold,
Or Pomp, and Pow'r to him that's Brave, and Bold.

Oeno.
Oh! I cou'd ever hear thy Charming Tongue,
(Thy Voice is sweeter than the Syrens Song)
And never think the Blessed Hours too long!
No Nymph was ever sure so truly blest,
Nor of so Fond a Partner e're possest.

Paris.
No Swain was e're so Happy sure, to find
A Nymph so Beauteous, and so wond'rous Kind.
Oh! may out present Happiness endure
From Fortune, Time, and Envious Death secure!

Oeno.
Oh! may this Harmony for ever last,
And every Hour prove happier than the past!

Paris.
The Nymphs and Swains shall celebrate our Bliss,
And make a Publick Festival for this;
Shall all unite to entertain my Fair,
And Thy Diversion shall be all their Care.

Florinda,
Call thy Jovial Partners in,
And let their harmless Sports forthwith begin.

(Florinda goes out. Paris and Oenone seat themselves in Two Chairs, adorn'd with Flowers.)