In marriage joined with beauteous Emily;
For which already I have gained the assent
Of my free people in full parliament.
Long love to her has borne the faithful knight:
And well deserved, had fortune done him right:
’Tis time to mend her fault, since Emily,
By Arcite’s death from former vows is free;
If you, fair sister, ratify the accord,
And take him for your husband, and your lord,
’Tis no dishonour to confer your grace
On one descended from a royal race;
And were he less, yet years of service past
From grateful souls exact reward at last.
Pity is Heaven’s and yours; nor can she find
A throne so soft as in a woman’s mind.’
He said; she blushed; and as o’er-awed by might,
Seemed to give Theseus what she gave the knight.
Then, turning to the Theban, thus he said:
‘Small arguments are needful to persuade
Your temper to comply with my command:’
And speaking thus, he gave Emilia’s hand.
Smiled Venus, to behold her own true knight
Obtain the conquest, though he lost the fight;
And blessed with nuptial bliss the sweet laborious night.
Eros, and Anteros, on either side,
One fired the bridegroom, and one warmed the bride;
And long-attending Hymen, from above,
Showered on the bed the whole Idalian grove,2
All of a tenor was their after-life,
No day discoloured with domestic strife;
No jealousy, but mutual truth believed,
Secure repose, and kindness undeceived.
Thus Heaven, beyond the compass of his thought,
Sent him the blessing he so dearly bought.
So may the Queen of Love long duty bless,
And all true lovers find the same success.
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