The works of John Dryden, $c now first collected in eighteen volumes. $p Volume 05 by John Dryden
page 78 of 530 (14%)
page 78 of 530 (14%)
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Where horrid ills so black and fatal dwell,
As Indians could not guess, till Europe taught. _Tow._ Speak plainer, I am recollected now: I know I am a man, the sport of fate; Yet, oh my better half, had heaven so pleased, I had been more content, to suffer in myself than thee! _Isab._ What shall I say! That monster of a man, Harman,--now I have named him, think the rest,-- Alone, and singled like a timorous hind From the full herd, by flattery drew me first, Then forced me to an act, so base and brutal! Heaven knows my innocence: But, why do I Call that to witness! Heaven saw, stood silent: Not one flash of lightning Shot from the conscious firmament, to shew its justice: Oh had it struck us both, it had saved me! _Tow._ Heaven suffered more in that, than you, or I, Wherefore have I been faithful to my trust, True to my love, and tender to the opprest? Am I condemned to be the second man, Who e'er complained he virtue served in vain? But dry your tears, these sufferings all are mine. Your breast is white, and cold as falling snow; You, still as fragrant as your eastern groves; And your whole frame as innocent, and holy, As if your being were all soul and spirit, Without the gross allay of flesh and blood. |
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