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196 KING COPHETUA AND THE BEGGAII-MAID.
I read that once in Affrica
A prince that there did raine, Who had to name Cophetua,
As poets they did faine. From natures workes he did incline, s
For sure he was not of my minde, He cared not for women-kind,
But did them all disdain. But marke what happen'd by the way; As he out of his window lay, 10
He saw a beggar all in grey,
Which did increase his paine.
The blinded boy that shootes so trim
From heaven downe so high, He drew a dart and shot at him, is
In place where he did lye: Which soone did pierce him to the quick, For when he felt the arrow prick, Which in his tender heart did stick,
He looketh as he would dye. ■ a>
" What sudden change is this," quoth he, " That I to love must subject be, Which never thereto would agree,
But still did it dene ? "
Then from his window he did come, »
And laid him on his bed; A thousand heapes of care did runne
Within his troubled head. |
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