“But I’m resolved, and fix’d in this decree, My father’s country shall my dowry be: Thus I prevent the loss of life and blood, And, in effect, the action must be good. Vain resolution! for, at every gate The trusty sentinels successive wait; The keys my father keeps: ah! there’s my grief; ’Tis he obstructs all hopes of my relief. Gods! that this hated light I’d never seen! Or all my life without a father been! But gods we all may be; for those that dare Are gods, and Fortune’s chiefest favours share The ruling powers a lazy prayer detest; The bold adventurer succeeds the best. What other maid, inspired with such a flame, But would take courage, and abandon shame? But would, though ruin should ensue, remove Whate’er opposed, and clear the way to love? This shall another’s feeble passion dare, While I sit tame, and languish in despair? No; for though fire and sword before me lay, Impatient love through both should force its way. Yet I have no such enemies to fear; My sole obstruction is my father’s hair;