University of Virginia Library

The Argument.

Nere to Arcadia's fertile soyle there dwells
Two happie men whom scarce their like excells,
The one a Swaine, the other nobler borne
Both rich in Land and stor'd with fruitfull Corne.
These as in hopefull Children, they were blest,
So of much Wealth, and Meadowes were possest.
The richer of these two; Cleobulus
Had for his Heyre the stout Philaritus:
A sprightfull Youth, whose valour and whose worth
Exceld those Swaines the Sheapheards Dames brought forth.
He lov'd one Arismena, who for faire
Might with the purest of her Sex Compare.
She to blunt Bracheus was his onely Heyre
And wealthier in that Name then richer are.
She Carelesse seem'd. His Love increasd the more
That to a Feaver grew, which was before
A gentle heare. At length she condiscends,
Begs Pardon for her wrong, makes Him amends.
Their Parents crost their Love, ere long agree
And were themselves perplex'd with misery.
Faire Castarina and Lariscus doe
Partake with them in their Affliction too.
Two, of whose fame the neighbouring Plaines were full,
The one was Tall, the other Beautifull.
These share in griefe, and when They fully thought
They had their Plots to happie Issues brought
Satyres creepe in, and in their height of joy
Their Peace their Comforts and their Hopes annoy.
The Lovers gave their Mistresses lost yet doe
Seeke a revenge. Themselves are taken too
All being now ensnar'd expect to die
Their Dirge is sung. On heaven fix their Eye
But in the midst of all their Griefes appeares.
Disguised Paromett, and quitts their Feares.
His Satyr's Shape pluckt off they grow againe.
Into their witts and wellcome him a Swaine.
Thus were their doubts exhaild and joyes increast
That peace is sweet'st which after warr's possest.