 | The Shepherd's Garden |  |
31
DIANA AND ENDYMION.
When the heat of day was done
Lay forworn Endymion
Pillowed on high Latmos' steep,
Bowed his head in heavy sleep;
All his flocks had gone to rest,
Folded on the mountain's breast:
Then Diana, pale with woe,
For that love consumed her so,
Cast her javelin aside,
Veiled in humbleness her pride,
Came and stooped where he did lie,
Whilst her nymphs were standing by,
Kissed him on the lips and cheek,
Bade him ope his eyes and speak;
Yet although he dreamt of her,
He might never wake or stir;
For should he arousèd be,
She must hide beyond the sea.
Very fair indeed she was:
Lover's hearts might cry, alas!
Buskined feet and bravely clad,
Two white stags for steeds she had,
In her hand a bow she bare
A silver crescent graced her hair;
Every nymph that stood her round
With a star of light was crown'd.
Lay forworn Endymion
Pillowed on high Latmos' steep,
Bowed his head in heavy sleep;
All his flocks had gone to rest,
Folded on the mountain's breast:
Then Diana, pale with woe,
For that love consumed her so,
Cast her javelin aside,
Veiled in humbleness her pride,
Came and stooped where he did lie,
Whilst her nymphs were standing by,
Kissed him on the lips and cheek,
Bade him ope his eyes and speak;
Yet although he dreamt of her,
He might never wake or stir;
For should he arousèd be,
She must hide beyond the sea.
Very fair indeed she was:
Lover's hearts might cry, alas!
Buskined feet and bravely clad,
Two white stags for steeds she had,
In her hand a bow she bare
A silver crescent graced her hair;
32
With a star of light was crown'd.
Oh, my love is young and sweet:
In her all such beauties meet:
Gems she needs not, for her eyes
Stain the clearness in them lies;
Might she come where I do sleep,
Ere the prying morn doth peep,
Kiss me lovingly, so I
Should dream of such felicity,
And such lands of wonder strike,
Earth can never show the like,
And my soul such rapture take
I might never wish to wake;
Always sleeping in that bliss,
Ravished with an endless kiss!
In her all such beauties meet:
Gems she needs not, for her eyes
Stain the clearness in them lies;
Might she come where I do sleep,
Ere the prying morn doth peep,
Kiss me lovingly, so I
Should dream of such felicity,
And such lands of wonder strike,
Earth can never show the like,
And my soul such rapture take
I might never wish to wake;
Always sleeping in that bliss,
Ravished with an endless kiss!
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