Page:Gondibert, an heroick poem - William Davenant (1651).djvu/284

CANTO the Fourth.

The Argument.

The King to Gondibert is grown so kind,
That he prevents the bounteous Rhodalind
In giving of her love; and Gondibert
Laments his Breast, holds but a single heart;
Which Birtha grieves her beauty did subdue,
Since he undoes the world in being true.

1.
FUll grows the Presence now, as when all know
 Some stranger Prince must be receiv'd with state,
When Courts shew those, who come to see the Show;
 And all gay Subjects like Domesticks wait.

2.
Nor Ulfinore nor Goltho absent were;
 Whose hopes expect what list'ning Birtha (hid
In the adjoyning Closet) fears to hear;
 And begs kind Heav'n in pitie would forbid.

3.
The King (who never time nor pow'r mispent
 In Subjects bashfulness, whiling great deeds
Like Coward Councels, who too late consent)
 Thus to his secret Will aloud proceeds.

4.
If to thy fame (brave Youth) I could adde wings,
 Or make her Trumpet louder by my voice,
I would (as an example drawn for Kings)
 Proclaim the cause, why thou art now my choice.

5.
But this were to suspect the world asleep,
 Or all our Lombards with their envy blind,
Or that the Hunns so much for bondage weep,
 As their drown'd Eyes cannot thy Trophies find.

When