University of Virginia Library

A PASTORAL.

CÆLIA and DORINDA.

When first the young Alexis saw
Cælia to all the Plain give Law,
The haughty Cælia, in whose Face
Love dwelt with Fear, and Pride with Grace,
When ev'ry Swain he saw submit
To her commanding Eyes and Wit,
How cou'd th'ambitious Youth aspire,
To perish by a nobler Fire!
With all the Pow'r of Verse he strove,
The lovely Shepherdess to move.
Verse, in which the Gods Delight,
That makes Nymphs love, and Heroes fight;
Verse, that once rul'd all the Plain,
Verse, the Wishes of a Swain.
How oft has Thyrsis' Pipe prevail'd,
Where Egon's Flocks and Herds have fail'd?
Fair Amaryllis, was thy Mind
Ever to Damon's Wealth inclin'd?
Whilst Lycidas his gentle Breast,
With Love, and with a Muse possest,
Breath'd forth in Verse his soft Desire,
Kindling in thee his gentle Fire?
Imperfect.