A noble Roman, who the challenge heard,
          This answer gave the king his soul preferr’d
          —­Great prince, if you would see a handsome man,
          To have my brother here should be your plan;
          A frame more perfect Nature never gave;
          But this to prove, your courtly dames I crave;
          May judge the fact, when I’m convinc’d they’ll find: 
          Like you, the youth will please all womankind;
          And since so many sweets at once may cloy,
          ’Twere well to have a partner in your joy.

          Theking, surpris’d, expressed a wish to view
          This brother, form’d by lines so very true;
          We’ll see, said he, if here his charms divine
          Attract the heart of ev’ry nymph, like mine;
          And should success attend our am’rous lord,
          To you, my friend, full credit we’ll accord.

          Awaythe Roman flew, Joconde to get,
          (So nam’d was he in whom these features met;)
          ’Midst woods and lawns, retir’d from city strife,
          And lately wedded to a beauteous wife;
          If bless’d, I know not; but with such a fair,
          On him must rest the folly to despair.

          TheRoman courtier came, his business told
          The brilliant offers from the monarch bold;
          His mission had success, but still the youth
          Distraction felt, which ’gan to shake his truth;
          A pow’rful monarch’s favour there he view’d;
          A partner here, with melting tears bedew’d;
          And while he wavered on the painful choice,
          She thus address’d her spouse with plaintive voice: 

          Canyou, Joconde, so truly cruel prove,
          To quit my fervent love in courts to move? 
          The promises of kings are airy dreams,
          And scarcely last beyond the day’s extremes
          By watchful, anxious care alone retain’d,
          And lost, through mere caprice, as soon as gain’d. 
          If weary of my charms, alas! you feel,
          Still think, my love, what joys these woods conceal;
          Here dwell around tranquillity and ease;
          The streams’ soft murmurs, and the balmy breeze,
          Invite to sleep; these vales where breathe the doves,
          All, all, my dear Joconde, renew our loves;
          You laugh!—­Ah! cruel, go, expose thy charms,
          Grim death will quickly spare me these alarms!

          JOCONDE’S reply our records ne’er relate,
          Nor what he did, nor how he left his mate;
          And since contemp’raries decline the task;
          ’Twere folly, such details of me to ask. 
          We’re told, howe’er, when ready to depart,
          With flowing tears she press’d him to her heart;