Falling in love with a Stranger at a Play.

FAIR Amarillis, on the Stage, whilst you
Behold a seigned love you gave a true;
I like a Coward in the Amorous War,
Came only to look on, yet got a Scar;
Fixt by your eyes, I had no power to flie,
They held me whil'st you gain'd the Victory:
I thought I safely might my sight content,
To which the power to like (not love) I lent;
And if I ventur'd on some slight Discourse,
It should be such as could no passion nurse:
Led by the treacherous lustre of your eyes,
At last I plaid too near the Precipice:
Love came disguis'd in wonder and delight▪
And I was conquer'd e're I knew him right;
Your words fell on my passion like those showers;
Which swell and multiply the rising flowers;
Like Cupid's self, a God, and yet a child,
Your looks at once were awful, and yet mild:
Me thoughts you blush'd, as conscious of my flame,
Whil'st your strict vertue did your beauty blame:
But rest secure; y'are from the guilt as free,
As Saints ador'd from our Idolatry;
And Love a Torment doe's for me prepare,
Beyond your rigour in my own despair.