To the _GODDESS_ of _Ferara_, the Beautiful _THEODORA_.
_Divine Creature,
It is not to be admir'd that I, the meanest of your Servants, should be
rejected by your wealthy Parents, and that Heaven should deny me a
Happiness which it self only ought to enjoy; Why did Nature make you so
Beautiful and Deserving, and me so unworthy of your Affection? My misery
increases with your Happiness, unless you participate my Pains; you are
in the Bud of your Beauty, which when full blown, will be like the Sun
in the midst of the Horizon, Illuminating the whole World, but its
penetrating Rays not to be gaz'd upon. You are the Lilly and I am the
Thorn; you beautify the rich fertile Vale, whilst I retire to the barren
Mountains. I will pass the Alps 'till I approach the most aspiring
Mount, and there, in view of_ Ferara, _I will lay me down and bid the
World Adieu. When I am gone, remember that you had once a Lover who
could sacrifice every thing for our Service, and without you he could
enjoy nothing. I have not only concerted my Journey from_ Ferara, _but
likewise to the_ Elysian Groves; _if my grizly Ghost should terrify that
sordid Wretch your Father, 'tis no more than he deserves, and if my
Shade appears to you, look on that unconcern'd which cannot injure you.
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