Page:Gondibert, an heroick poem - William Davenant (1651).djvu/257

81.
Nor does it often scape his memorie,
 How gravely he had vow'd, that if her Eyes,
After such Show'rs of Love, were quickly drie,
 He would them more than Lamps in Tombs despise.

82.
And Whilst he watch'd like an industrious Spie
 Her Sexes changes, and revolt of Youth;
He still reviv'd this vow as solemnly,
 As Senates Count'nance Laws or Synods, Truth.

83.
But men are frail, more Glass than Women are!
 Tybalt who with a stay'd judicious heart
Would love, grows vain amidst his gravest care:
 Love, free by nature, scorns the Bonds of Art!

84.
Laura (whose Fort he by approch would gain)
 With a weak sigh blows up his Mine, and Smiles;
Gives fire but with her Eye, and he is slain;
 Or treats, and with a whisper him beguiles.

85.
Nor force of Arms or Arts (O Love!) endures
 Thy mightiness; and since we must discern
Diseases fully ere we studie cures;
 And our own force by othes, weakness learn;

86.
Let me to Courts and Camps thy Agent be,
 Where all their weakness and diseases spring
From their not knowing, and not honouring thee
 In those who Nature in thy triumphs sing.

CANTO