 | Dione |  |
SCENE IV.
DIONE. PARTHENIA. LYCIDAS,[listening.
Lycidas.
Why stays Alexis? can my bosom bear
Thus long alternate storms of hope and fear?
Yonder they walk; no frowns her brow disguise,
But love consenting sparkles in her eyes;
Here will I listen, here, impatient wait.
Spare me, Parthenia, and resign thy hate.
[Aside.
Parthenia.
When Lycidas shall to the court repair,
Still let Alexis love his fleecy care;
Still let him choose cool grots and sylvan bowers,
And let Parthenia share his peaceful hours.
Lycidas.
What do I hear? my friendship is betray'd!
The treach'rous rival has seduc'd the maid.
[Aside.
Parthenia.
With thee, where bearded goats descend the steep,
Or where, like winter's snow, the nibbling sheep
Clothe the slope hills: I'll pass the cheerful day,
And from thy reed my voice shall catch the lay.
166
The flocks, slow moving from the misty springs,
Now seek their fold. Come, shepherd, let's away,
To close the latest labours of the day.
[Exeunt hand in hand.
| Dione | |