 | The Chaplet |  |
SCENE V.
Damon, Pastora.Damon.
Vouchsafe, sweet Maid, to hear a wretched Swain,
Who, lost in Wonder, hugs the pleasing Chain;
For you in Sighs I hail the rising Day;
To you at Eve I sing the love-sick Lay;
Then take, my Love, my Homage as your Due.
The Devil's in her if all this won't do.
[Aside.
10
Damon.
Beauteous Maid, reward my Passion;
Crown with Hopes my fierce Desire.
She.
Soon to yield is not the Fashion,
Maids some Courtship should require.
He.
Tedious Courtship damps all Pleasure,
By this melting Kiss I swear.
She.
Now you're rude beyond all Measure;
Kiss again, Sir, if you dare.
He.
Where yon Bank the Willows cover,
We will shun the Heat of Day:
She.
You're in too much haste, young Lover,
For the Priest must lead the Way.
He.
We can do without him better,
None but Fools would marry now;
Priest the free-born Mind would fetter,
We will meet without a Vow.
11
Away, false Man, no more your Tale I'll hear;
The black Attempt offends my rigid Ear:
The Joys I taste shall be without a Crime;
I'll ne'er be fool'd by Man—a second Time.
[Aside.
Damon.
If so, farewel, I'll other Regions try;
My gen'rous Mind disdains the slavish Tye;
Lovers, like Warriors, oft Repulses meet;
Yet both undaunted their Attacks repeat.
AIR.
He.
From Flow'r to Flow'r, his Joy to change,
Flits yonder wanton Bee;
From Fair to Fair thus will I range,
And I'll be ever free.
She.
Yon little Birds attentive view,
That hop from Tree to Tree;
I'll copy them, I'll copy you,
For I'll be ever free.
He.
Whilst Tempests shake the nodding Grove,
And plough the foaming Sea;
While Hawks pursue the flying Dove,
So long will I be free.
12
'Till on the Bush the Lily grows,
'Till Flocks forsake the Lea,
'Till from the Rock bursts forth the Rose,
You'll find me blith and free.
Both.
Then let's divide to East and West,
Since we shall ne'er agree;
And try who keeps their Promise best,
And who's the longest free.
[Exeunt.
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