Classic Poem

ACT . IV. S CEN. III.

To Her Florina, Malthora. Mal .

Bless me Eumela ! I
Must get me Mens apparell, and go see
How all things stand abroad; I did but close
Mine Eyes, and presently me thought the Ghost
Of my Paestanus did appear before me.
Wounded, and bloudy, and as soon as I
Went to embrace him, vanish'd into air. Eum .
You are so fearfull, Madam, and do fancy
Danger and death so strongly, that if he
Were at this instant present here before you
You'd not beleeve your Eyes. Madam Florina
What's that you look on so? Flor .
It is, Eumela ,
The Picture of my Lov'd Philondas , as
He had his Armour on, (and O the Heav'ns
That he should ever be in such a Habit)
But Fates would have it so; 'twas young Protogenes
Took it before he went. Me thinks it sometimes
Doth move, and alter Colour, and endeavour
To get loose, and come out. Eum .
Have you the Picture
Of your Lord Madam too? Mal .
Yes here, Eumela ,
Drawn by the same hand: is't not very like him? Eum .
Methinks they're neither true: I've both their Statues.
Though not in Armour, and as I remember
They don't agree with them. Flor .
Pray y' let's examine
To pass the time a while. Eum .
I've newly put 'em
Both into Habits, and me thinks they look
So fresh, and lively, that I might mistake 'em,
But that I know they're absent; look you here.
Does not this look more like Philondas far,
And this more like Paestanus than the Tablets?
You must not come too near: I'l leave y' a while
To view, and judge. Flor .
Good Heav'ns! my Lord Philondas ! Mal .
My dear Paestanus ! Phil .
I am come you see
A prety jant here to fulfil the longing
Of a young Novice-Husband. Paest .
The first day
That Hymen joyn'd us, brought not truer joy
Unto my Soul than this.