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149
DAPHNIS AND SHEPHERDESS.
FROM THEOCRITUS: IDYLL. XXVII.
DAPHNIS.Young Paris the Trojan, who tended his herd,
To the fair-ones of Troy a Greek beauty preferr'd.
He stole the gay charmer, an amorous felon;
I boast a free kiss from a sweeter than Helen!
SHEPHERDESS.
A kiss is so empty: You satyr!—Poh! poh!
DAPHNIS.
And yet there's some pleasure in kissing, I trow!
[Kisses her.
SHEPHERDESS.
I wipe then my mouth, and your kisses disdain!
DAPHNIS.
Do you wipe? Come, I'm ready for bussing again—
150
Kiss your heifers; nor worry a virgin, you lout!
DAPHNIS.
Indeed! but remember, tho' now you may flout,
That your beauty, however 'tis held in esteem,
Will fade, haughty girl, and be gone, like a dream.
SHEPHERDESS.
The grape, when it's dried, is delicious in taste,
And the rose is still sweet when its blushes are past.
DAPHNIS.
Come hither; I've something to whisper, my maid—
These wild olives form an agreeable shade.
SHEPHERDESS.
No—no—Mr. Wag! 'tis a little too soon
To be dup'd so again!
DAPHNIS.
Then I'll play you a tune
Beneath yonder elms!
151
Go, and play to yourself!
I cannot attend to so wretched an elf!
DAPHNIS.
Ah, maiden, of Venus's anger beware!
SHEPHERDESS.
Her anger! Diana alone is my care!
DAPHNIS.
Take heed, lest the goddess, whom thus you defy,
Should rivet a knot you may never untie!
SHEPHERDESS.
No fear, while Diana continues to watch;
Be quiet—hands off—or, I swear, I will scratch.
DAPHNIS.
You may vaunt, as you like, your slim delicate shape—
But the fate of your sex you can never escape!
SHEPHERDESS.
Believe me, by Pan, I'll be never a wife;
But may you bear the yoke all the days of your life!
152
In the end, I much fear you will marry some brute.
SHEPHERDESS.
Many wooers I've had, but no wooer would suit!
DAPHNIS.
What think you of me?
SHEPHERDESS.
Why, my friend, without jest,
I think Hymen's yoke is a burthen at best.
DAPHNIS.
No: marriage is nothing but pleasure—
SHEPHERDESS.
When wives
By their husbands are terrified out of their lives!
DAPHNIS.
No, maiden! the fact is, that wives domineer:
Whom was ever a woman discover'd to fear?
SHEPHERDESS.
I'm most of the perils of child-birth afraid—
153
Your guardian Diana's a midwife by trade.
SHEPHERDESS.
Yet I tremble! it ruins, at last, the complexion!
DAPHNIS.
Your children will make up the loss in affection!
SHEPHERDESS.
But where is my jointure, if I should consent?
DAPHNIS.
My fields and my woodlands, in all their extent,
With my flocks and my herds—
SHEPHERDESS.
Then an oath you shall take
That you love me with truth, and will never forsake.
DAPHNIS.
Yes, tho' you endeavour to force me away,
By Pan, whom we worship, I swear I will stay.
SHEPHERDESS.
Will you build me a lodging, and sheep-cote, and bed?
154
Yes all—and my pastures with flocks are o'erspread.
SHEPHERDESS.
But how shall I tell my old father my love?
DAPHNIS.
No fear: If you mention my name, he'll approve.
SHEPHERDESS.
Pray what are you call'd? There are charms in a name—
DAPHNIS.
I'm Daphnis: my father of musical fame,
Old Lycid: my mother, Nomea.
SHEPHERDESS.
The blood
Runs rich in your veins; and yet mine is as good.
DAPHNIS.
Not better, besure; for your father I know—
Menalcas, who lives in the valley below.
SHEPHERDESS.
Then shew me your groves; and the cote where it lies.
155
Come hither; and mark how my cypresses rise!
SHEPHERDESS.
Browse yonder, my goats, while I haste to the grove!
DAPHNIS.
And feed, my brave bulls—while I wanton in love!
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