University of Virginia Library

The CHASE.

Scorcht by the Heat one Day, I found a Shade,
Which some kind Poplar and a Myrtle made;
Stretcht here at length, in Ease my Body lay
Swell'd with the Hopes of some luxurious Prey;
Casting my Amorous Eyes around the Plain,
Wild to possess, I spy'd a lovely Dame,
Thrice I saluted her, and thrice I said,
Peace to the lovely Nymph, peace to the lovely Maid:
She, so surpriz'd at this, made no reply,
But still survey'd me with a scornful Eye;
Jealous at last, turning away her Eyes,
She calls for Help, but finding no Supplies,
Takes to her Feet, and almost out of Breath,
She scrietcht like Leverets in the Pangs of Death.
Big with expectance of this nimble Prey,
I spurr'd my Passion on, and made away;
Swift as Desire, I leapt the strongest Fence,
Having in Sight the noblest Game of Sense.
Ere long I caught my Celia by the Hair,
Whose wanton Locks perfum'd the beaten Air,
O Heav'ns! what Charms her Beauty did inspire,
Conquer'd at once with Wonder and Desire.
Weary, we both sat down, and breath'n our Loves,
Soft as the Whispers of two wounded Doves;
Couch on her Breast my Fancy sporting lay,
And strove to scare her pensive Thoughts away:
Thus blest, sometimes I profer'd her a Kiss,
Hopeing thereby to gain an after Bliss;
Often my furious Hand did strive to know
How was the glorious Valley spread below.
Hot in pursuit, often I said, My Dear,
Ah shall I, shall I but inhabit here?
The Land is fruitful, grant me this one thing,
And I'll be happier than the happiest King.
No, cry'd she, no, prithee, kind Youth, forbear,
The Crop's but small that you will gather here;
And will you, will you do this pleasant Sin?
Hereafter it will Torture you within.
But all her Art such faint Resistance made,
Herself was almost by herself betray'd;
With so much Doubt and modesty she strove
To give mine room she did her own remove:
But when this usual Ceremony ceas'd,
How was I glutted with the Sight, and pleas'd!
Pleasures so great and tempting, that they cou'd
Ev'n almost win to her Embrace a God.
Oh, could I find such Objects ev'ry Day!
I'd even Hunt and Chase my Life away.