Orchard Songs :: :: University of Virginia Library

Who would shepherd pipes forsake
If there greet him dearly
Cupid in the knee-deep brake
Singing sweet and clearly?
Who to London deserts go,
Scanning friendless faces,
If there beat a heart for him
Under Laura's laces?

As I near the leafy oak,
Laura, swift as starling,
Brings her cheek for me to stroke—
Little fragrant darling!
Take your air in Rotten Row,
Gentlemen of leisure,
Milkmaid kiss and velvet sloe
Fashion me my pleasure!

While we sit the stilly skies
Change from blue to purple,
And my arm in daring lies
Round a homespun circle!
Thus doth pastoral delight
Follow shepherd-duty,
Speeding to my heart at night
Laura's love and beauty!