ODE IX.
The Foolish Shepherd.
I
As at the solemn Noon of Night,
Guided by pale Diana's Light,
Sad, lovesick Damon stray'd,
Thus on the solitary Plain
The poor, unhappy, wandring Swain,
In doleful Accents said.
II
Witness, O Moon, who gaily shine,
Ye Stars, who make sad Night so fine,
Be witness to my Care!
I see ye rise, and set again;
But find no Rest, unhappy Swain!
For thinking of my Fair.
III
When Morn returns, I look about,
In hast to find my Charmer out
Amongst the Nymphs, and Swains;
And if her Flock I can unfold,
I'm pleas'd, as if my Crook was Gold,
And blest, as He, who reigns.
IV
The newest Airs to her I sing,
The earliest Flow'rs, and Fruits I bring,
The Virgin Honey-Comb;
And if, by Chance, a Sheep shou'd stray,
Tho' mine the while run all away,
I seek, and bring him home.
V
For Game I range the Hills of Snow,
And beat the woody Vales below,
And drain the purling Brook;
And if the lovely, charming Maid
Accepts the Prey, I'm more than paid
With one dear, smiling Look.
VI
Thus do I sacrifice my Youth,
My Flocks, and Herds, my Time, and Truth
To an ungrateful Fair,
While happy Strephon, true to none,
Possesses Cloë's Heart alone,
Who laughs at all my Care.
