AMYNTAS.
131
Alas! I have but too substantial grounds
To fear, nay to be sure, that he is dead.
When from the Satyr he had rescued thee,
And with such cruelty when thou hadst left him,
Too well I marked the frenzy of his love.
A dart's keen point he to his breast directed,
Determined by despair to urge it forwards.
I the rash act prevented; but the weapon
Was with his blood distained, before I seized it.
And if I had not checked it opportunely,
It would have then transfixed that faithful heart,
Which thy inhuman rigour hath pierced through
With a more painful wound, and no less fatal.
Yet though thou then wast naked, I must tell thee,
Thou wouldst have done much honour to thy sex,
If, out of gratitude, thou hadst embraced him.
To fear, nay to be sure, that he is dead.
When from the Satyr he had rescued thee,
And with such cruelty when thou hadst left him,
Too well I marked the frenzy of his love.
A dart's keen point he to his breast directed,
Determined by despair to urge it forwards.
I the rash act prevented; but the weapon
Was with his blood distained, before I seized it.
And if I had not checked it opportunely,
It would have then transfixed that faithful heart,
Which thy inhuman rigour hath pierced through
With a more painful wound, and no less fatal.
Yet though thou then wast naked, I must tell thee,
Thou wouldst have done much honour to thy sex,
If, out of gratitude, thou hadst embraced him.
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