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How dear alas! are Worldly Pleasures bought, If such a Price must pay so sweet a Fault?How can weak Woman's strength sufficient prove To stem the Torrent of Ungovern'd Love? Since Gods themselves his Pow'r Superior own,And for a Mortal's Bed, resign their Heav'nly Throne!
Say then. Oh Queen! for thou alone canst tellWhat Lucky Thought may Chloe's Shame conceal.In happy Time some new Device erect, And yielding Maids from Scandal's Breath protect.
He pray'd—But Venus heard not half his Pray'r,Or, had she heard, she could not ease his Care; Th' Immortal in the self-same Snare was caught,And, though a Goddess, err'd, If Love's a Fault?
Adonis
