lia to her Sophos' love?
LELIA.
Ah, Sophos, that fond blind boy,
That wrings these passions from my Sophos' heart,
Hath likewise wounded Lelia with his dart;
And force perforce, I yield the fortress up:
Here, Sophos, take thy Lelia's hand,
And with this hand receive a loyal heart.
High Jove, that ruleth heaven's bright canopy,
Grant to our love a wish'd felicity!
SOPHOS.
As joys the weary pilgrim by the way,
When Phoebus wanes[144] unto the western deep,
To summon him to his desired rest;
Or as the poor distressed mariner,
Long toss'd by shipwreck on the foaming waves,
At length beholds the long-wish'd haven,
Although from far his heart doth dance for joy:
So love's consent at length my mind hath eas'd;
My troubled thoughts by sweet content are pleas'd.
LELIA.
My father recks not virtue,
But vows to wed me to a man of wealth:
And swears his gold shall counterpoise his worth.
But Lelia scorns proud Mammon's golden mines,
And better likes of learning's sacred lore,
Than of fond fortune's glistering mockeries.
But, Sophos, try thy wits, and use thy utmost skill
To please my father, and compass his goodwill.
SOPHOS.
To what fair Lelia wills doth Sophos yield content;
Yet that's the troublous gulf my silly ship must pass:
But, were that venture harder to atchieve
Than that of Jason for the golden fleece,
I would effect it for sweet Lelia's sake,
Or leave myself as witness of my thoughts.
NURSE.
How say you by that, mistress? He'll do anything for your sake.
LELIA.
Thanks, gentle love:
But, lest my father should suspect--
Whose jealous head with more than Argus' eyes
Doth measure ev'ry gesture that I use--
I'll in, and leave you here alone.
Adieu, sweet friend, until we meet again.
Come, nurse, follow me.
[_Exeunt_ LELIA _and_ NURSE.
SOPHOS.
Farewell, my love, fair fortune be thy guide!
Now, Sophos, now bethink thyself, how thou
May'st win her father's will to knit this happy knot.
Alas! thy state is poor, thy friends are few.
And fear forbids to tell my fate to friends:[145]
Well, I'll try my fortunes;
And find out some convenient time,
When as her father's leisure best shall serve
To confer with him about fair Lelia's love.
[_Exit_ SOPHOS.
_Enter_ GRIPE, _old_ PLOD-ALL, CHURMS, _and_ WILL CRICKET.
GRIPE.
Neighbour Plod-all and Master Churms, y'are welcome to my house. What
news in the country, neighbour? You are a good
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