University of Virginia Library


204

Song IV. The Stolen Kiss.

On a mossy bank reclin'd,
Beauteous Chloe lay reposing,
O'er her breast each am'rous wind
Wanton play'd, its sweets disclosing:
Tempted with the swelling charms,
Colin, happy swain, drew nigh her,
Softly stole into her arms,
Laid his scrip and sheep-hook by her.
O'er her downy panting breast
His delighted fingers roving;
To her lips his lips he prest,
In the extasy of loving:
Chloe, waken'd with his kiss,
Pleas'd, yet frowning to conceal it,
Cry'd, true lovers share the bliss?
Why then, Colin, wou'd you steal it?