University of Virginia Library

Charon and Philomel,

A Dialogue sung.

PHIL.
Charon, O gentle Charon, let me woo thee
By tears and pity now to come unto me:

Ch.
What voice so sweet & charming do I hear;
Say what thou art,

Ph.
I prethe fiast draw neer:

Ch.
A sound I hear, but nothing yet can see;
Speak where thou art:

Ph
O Charon pity me,
I am a bird, and though no name I tell,
My warbling note will say, I'm Philomel.

Ch.
What's that to me? I love not fish or fowls,
Nor beasts fond bird, but onely humane souls.

Ph.
Alas for me:

Ch.
Shame on thy witching note
That made me thus hoyst sail, & bring my boat;
But Ile return, what mischief brought me hither?

Ph.
A deal of love, & much grief together.

Ch.
What's thy request?

Ph.
That since she's now beneath,
Who fed my life, I'le follow her in death.

Ch.
And is that all? I'me gone:

Ph.
By love I pray thee.

Ch.
Talk not of love; all pray, but few souls pay me.

Ph.
Ile give the vows and tears.

Ch.
Can tears pay scores
For mending sails, for patching boat and oars?

Ph.
I'le beg a peny, or I'le sing so long,
Till thou shalt say, I've paid thee with a song.

Ch.
Why then begin, and all the while we make
Our sloathful passage on the Stigian Lake;
Thou and I'le sing, to make these dull shades merry,
Who else with tears would doubtless drown my Ferry.