OC…AVIO to PORTIA.

MAY the bright Portia, to whose sway
So many Lovers yield each day,
Not be displeas'd, if even to her
Octavio dares his hopes prefer:
And vows none else had e're the pow'r
To make him love above an houre:
'Tis you have found at once the Art,
To conquer and reform his heart.
Too much 'twas giv'n t'inconstancy before,
But now 'tis so well plac'd, …ill change no more.

Your scorn can ne're put …ut …hat Fire,
VVhich your more pow…ul Eyes …spire.
Be as dis…ainfu… … will,
He'le s…ff…r a… …n… …ove you still.
Yet do not you im…erious grow,
Because his humble flames you kn…w:
Nor o're your …lave with rigour …eign,
Because he cannot break his chain.

Like Kings, who never treat their Subjects well
When they are once assur'd they can't rebel.
He hopes like all great Beautyes you,
Take pleasures only to subdue,
All hearts to love, but won't think fit,
To torture Slaves that bow to it;
So some brave Hero seeks to kill,
By all the wayes of force and skill.
While his pro…d foe maintains the strife,
But gives him, when he yield, his life.
Hearts that are hardn'd against threat…ing steel,
The gentle touches of compassion feel.