Page:Poems of Anne Countess of Winchilsea 1903.djvu/479

COUNTESS OP WINCHILSEA 341 �And only sent my Wishes to their Tents: 60 �But ere the Battle (which is soon intended) Shall meet in glorious Tryal of their Right, I will be there, and side with the Messenians. �Arc. Oh! that you wou'd not! That first your Native Country might be serv'd, Think on her Danger, and your Sovereign's Will: 'Twas to the Reed, and not the wrangling Trumpet He bid you listen, to secure his Peace; Nor have you look'd with Love, as he requir'd, On any Shepherdess, tho' ne'er so Fair, 70 �Or born of Parents, harmless as their Flocks. Low on my Knees, my Lord, let me prevail, [He Kneels. That, when the Time, decreed you, do's expire, You will not prosecute this rash Design ; But go with me yet farther on these Plains, And seek to please your Father, and the Gods, In such safe, humble ways, as they direct us. �dim. Nay, prithee, do not kneel; it grates my Nature: �[Raises him. �But trust me, when we have subdued these Countries When Lacedemori's Kings shall sue for Peace, 80 �And make great Aristomenes Returns Agreeing to his Merits, and their Wrongs, And I have gain'd such Honour as becomes me; Whate'er thou dost request shall be observ'd: And tho' my Soul finds such vast disproportion Betwixt the Thoughts, with which she is inspir'd, And those, that lodge in these poor Country Maids; Yet shall my Duty o'er my Temper rise, I'll trust (like Others) only to my Eyes, And think, that Women in Perfection are, 90 �Tho ne'er so Ignorant, if Young and Fair, ��� �