King Charmant and Queen Florine, delivered from so odious a person, now thought only of the nuptial fête, the taste and magnificence of which were equally conspicuous.
It is easy to conceive how great was their happiness after passing through such prolonged misfortunes.
When Truitonne would have forced that monarch charming
To tie a knot which death alone could sunder,
Regardless of the consequence alarming,
She certainly committed a great blunder.
'Tis possible she did not know, a marriage
Unblest by mutual love is wretched slavery.
But Charmant's bold, uncompromising carriage,
Showed as much prudence, I conceive, as bravery.
Better to be a bird of any hue—
A raven, crow, an owl—I do protest,
Than tie yourself for life a partner to,
Who either scorns you, or whom you detest.
Too many matches of this sort I've seen,
And wish that now there were some kind magician
To step such ill-assorted souls between,
With power to enforce his prohibition,
Vigilant ever to forbid the banns
Where selfish feelings true affection slighted,
And ne'er allowing Hymen to join hands,
When hearts had not been first by Love united.
