University of Virginia Library

SCENE III.

To her Colin.
Colin.
Sweet Lady, tell me: Did you see this way
Two milk-white Lambs with rosy Collars stray?

Daphne.
No, gentle Youth: But pr'ythee tell me, why
You greet a Village Maid in Terms so high?
I am no Lady, courteous Swain, not I.

Colin.
Since you my lov'd Companions have not seen,
Perhaps they've wander'd to yon distant Green:
I'll see.—

Daphne.
[Aside.]
Stay, Shepherd, stay—Was ever such a stupid Swain!
He seems to eye me with a cold Disdain.
[To him.]
Some time, methinks with Colin I could waste.

Colin.
Dispatch then, quickly; I'm, in truth, in haste.

AIR.
Daphne.
Has the Arrow of Cupid ne'er lodg'd in your Breast?
Have you wept for whole Months, nor been able to rest,
'Till the Fair One took pity, and bid you be bless'd?
Speak boldly the Truth, my good Shepherd.

Colin.
No, that I can't brag of; but all the Day long
Some Mistress or other has place in my Song;
My Passion's not lasting, but 'tis very strong.
I speak the plain Truth, my good Lady.

Daphne.
I doubt you're a Rover; if so, a young Maid
May fear to be with you, within this thick Shade.

Colin.
Such Beauties as yours need be never afraid.
I speak the plain Truth, my good Lady.

Daphne.
Suppose a young Shepherdess, just of my Size,
An Air too like mine, and a pair of such Eyes,
Should like you, say, would you your Conquest despise?
Speak boldly the Truth, my good Shepherd.

Colin.
Plain-Dealing's a Jewel, you very well know;
And therefore permit me to own ere I go,
Such a Mistress as you, is at best, but so so.
I speak the plain Truth, my good Lady.

Colin.
Farewel, gentle Maiden.

Daphne.
Farewel, thou dull Swain.
Go seek thy Companions that brouze on the Plain.

Both.
And I care not if e'er I behold thee again.
I speak the plain Truth, &c.

[Exeunt severally.