Here we prepar'd for battel, and through ten thousand kisses prest to
a closer engagement; but a sudden weakness rob'd me of my arms. Thus
cheated in her expectations, she highly resenting it, asks whether her
lips, her breath, or some ill scent of any part of her, offended me.
Or, if none of those, whether I fear'd Gito?
I was so asham'd of my self, that if there was any spark of the man
left in me, I lost it. And finding every part of me feeble, and as it
were lifeless: "I beseech you, madam," said I, "don't triumph over my
misery; I'm surely bewitcht."
So slight an excuse could not allay her resentment, but giving me a
disdainful glance, she turn'd to her maid, and, "I prithee Chrysis,"
said she, "be free with me, don't flatter your mistress. Is there any
thing misbecoming or ungentle about me? Or have I us'd art to hide
any natural deformity? I don't know how you've drest me to-day."
Upon which, e're Chrysis cou'd make a return, she snatcht a
pocket-glass from her, and after she had practis'd all her looks, to
try if any appear'd less charming than before, she took hold of her
petticoats that were a little rumpled with lying on, and immediately
ran to a neighbouring temple dedicated to Venus.
I could not tell what to say or do, but as if I had seen a vision, at
last began with horror to consider whether I had been rob'd of any
real joy.
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