SONGS, SET TO MUSIC BY THE MOST EMINENT MASTERS: 8 by MATTHEW PRIOR

STILL, Dorinda, I adore;
Think I mean not to deceive you;
For I loved you much before,
And, alas! now love you more,
Though I force myself to leave you.

Staying, I my vows shall fail;
Virtue yields, as love grows stronger;
Fierce desires will sure prevail;
You are fair; and I am frail,
And dare trust myself no longer.

You, my love, too nicely coy,
Lest I should have gained the treasure,
Made my vows and oaths destroy
The pleasing hopes I did enjoy
Of all my future peace and pleasure.

To my vows I have been true,
And in silence hid my anguish,
But I cannot promise too
What my love may make me do,
While with her for whom I languish.

For in thee strange magic lies,
And my heart is too, too tender;
Nothing's proof against those eyes,
Best resolves and strictest ties
To their force must soon surrender.

but, Dorinda, you're severe,
I most doting, thus to sever;
Since from all I hold most dear,
That you may no longer fear,
I divorce myself for ever.

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