Elizabeth Cary - The Tragedy of Mariam, Act 3, Scene 1 lyrics

Act 3 scene 1 [PHERORAS. SALOME.] PHERORAS Urge me no more Graphina to forsake, Not twelve hours since I married her for love: And do you think a sister's power can make A resolute decree so soon remove? SALOME Poor minds they are that honor not affects. PHERORAS Who hunts for honor happiness neglects. SALOME You might have been both of felicity And honor too in equal measure seized. PHERORAS It is not you can tell so well as I, What 'tis can make me happy or displeased. SALOME To match for neither beauty nor respects. One mean of birth, but yet of meaner mind, A woman full of natural defects— I wonder what your eye in her could find. PHERORAS Mine eye found loveliness, mine ear found wit, To please the one, and to enchant the other: Grace on her eye, mirth on her tongue doth sit, In looks a child, in wisdom's house a mother. SALOME But say you thought her fair, as none thinks else, Knows not Pheroras, beauty is a blast: Much like this flower which today excels, But longer than a day it will not last. PHERORAS Her wit exceeds her beauty. SALOME Wit may show The way to ill as well as good, you know. PHERORAS But wisdom is the porter of her head, And bars all wicked words from issuing thence. SALOME But of a porter, better were you sped, If she against their entrance made defense. PHERORAS But wherefore comes the sacred Ananell, That hitherward his hasty steps doth bend? Great sacrificer, y'are arrivèd well, Ill news from holy mouth I not attend.