The Temple of Death, Art of Poetry, Duel of the Stags, etc (1695)/A Dialogue between Amintas and Celia
A
DIALOGUE
BETWEEN
AMINTAS and CELIA.
By the same Author.
Celia.Amintas, I am come alone,According as I said;But whither is thy Honour flown?I fear I am betray'd:The Looks are chang'd, and in the placeOf Innocent Desires,Methinks I see thy Eyes and FaceBurn with unusual Fires.
Amintas. Sees not my Celia Nature wearOne Countenance in the Spring,And yet another Shape prepare,To bring the Harvest in?Look on the Eagle, how unlikeHe to the Egg is found,When he prepares his Pownce to strikeHis Prey against the ground.Fears might my Infant Love become;'Twere want of kindness now,Should Modesty my Hope benum,Or check what you allow.
Celia. Amintas, hold, What could you worseTo worst of Women do?Ah! How could you a Passion nurseSo much my Honour's Foe?
Amintas. Make not an Idol of a Toy,Which every breath can shake,Which all must have, or none enjoy,What course so e'er we take:Whil'st Women hate, or Men are vain,You cannot be secure;What makes my Celia then a painSo fruitless to endure?
Celia. Could I the World neglect for Thee,Thy Love, though dear it cost,In some unkind Conceit of me,Would be untimely lost:Thou would'st thy own Example fear,And every heedless wordI chance let fall beyond thy Care,Would some new doubt afford.
Amintas. If I am Jealous, 'tis becauseI know not where you Love;With me fulfil Love's gentle Laws,And all my Fears remove.
Celia. Women, like things, at second hand,Do half their Value lose;But whilst all Courtship they withstand,May at their Pleasure choose.
Amintas. This were a fine Discourse, my Dear,If we were not alone;But now Love whispers in my Ear,There's somewhat to be done.She said, she never would forgive:He Kissing, swore she should;And told her she was mad to striveAgainst their Mutual Good. What farther past, I cannot tell,But sure not much amiss;He vow'd he Lov'd her dearly well,She answered with a Kiss.