University of Virginia Library

XXVII. THE SHEPHERD'S DESCRIPTION OF LOVE.

Melibœus.
Shepherd, what's love, I pray thee tell?

Fau.
It is that fountain and that well
Where pleasure and repentance dwell;
It is perhaps that sauncing bell
That tolls all into heaven or hell;
And this is love as I heard tell.

Meli.
Yet what is love, I prithee say?

Fau.
It is a work on holiday;
It is December matched with May,
When lusty bloods, in fresh array,
Hear ten months after of the play;
And this is love as I hear say.

Meli.
Yet what is love, good shepherd, sain?

Fau.
It is a sunshine mixed with rain;
It is a tooth-ache, or like pain;
It is a game where none doth gain;
The lass saith no, and would full fain;
And this is love, as I hear sain.

Meli.
Yet, shepherd, what is love, I pray?

Fau.
It is a yea, it is a nay,
A pretty kind of sporting fray;
It is a thing will soon away;
Then, nymphs, take 'vantage while ye may;
And this is love, as I hear say.

Meli.
Yet what is love, good shepherd, show?

Fau.
A thing that creeps; it cannot go;
A prize that passeth to and fro;
A thing for one, a thing for moe;
And he that proves shall find it so;
And, shepherd, this is love, I trow.