University of Virginia Library

A PASTORAL DIALOGUE Betwixt Two Shepherd Boys.

1. Boy.
I wonder what Alexis ails,
To sigh and talk of Darts,
Of Charms which o'er his Soul prevails,
Of Flames and bleeding Hearts:
I saw him yesterday alone,
Walk crossing of his Arms;
And Cuckow like was in a tone,
Ah Cælia, ah thy charms!

2. Boy.
Why sure thou'rt not so ignorant,
As thou would'st seem to be;
Alas the cause of his complaint,
Is all our destiny.
'Tis mighty Love's All-pow'rfull Bow,
Which has Alexis hit;
A pow'rfull Shaft will hit us too,
E'er we're aware of it.

1. Boy.
Love, why, alas, I little thought
There had been such a thing;
Only for Rhime it had been brought,
When Shepherds use to Sing.
I'm sure, what e're they talk of Love,
'Tis but conceit at most;
As Fear i'th' dark our fancies move,
To think we see a Ghost.

2. Boy.
I know not, but the other day,
A wanton Girl there were,
Who took my Stock-Dove's Eggs away,
And Black-birds Nest did tear.
Had it been thee, my dearest Boy,
Revenge I shou'd have took;
But she my Anger did destroy,
With th' sweetness of her Look.

1. Boy.
So t'other day a wanton Slut,
As I slept on the Ground,
A Frog into my Bosom put,
My Hands and Feet she bound:
She hung my Hook upon a Tree,
Then laughing, bad me wake;
And though she thus abused me,
Revenge I cannot take.

Chorus.
Let's wish these Overtures of State,
Don't fatal Omens prove;
For those who lose the Power to hate,
Are soon made slaves to Love.