2. Content, begin, and I will bet
A heifer smooth, and black as jet,
In every part alike complete,
And wanton as a kid as yet.
Chor. And Lalage, with cow-like eyes,
Shall be disposeress of the prize.
1. Against thy heifer, I will here
Lay to thy stake a lusty steer
With gilded horns, and burnish'd clear.
Chor. Why, then, begin, and let us hear
The soft, the sweet, the mellow note
That gently purls from either's oat.
2. The stakes are laid: let's now apply
Each one to make his melody.
Lal. The equal umpire shall be I,
Who'll hear, and so judge righteously.
Chor. Much time is spent in prate; begin,
And sooner play, the sooner win.
[1 Neatherd plays
2. That's sweetly touch'd, I must confess,
Thou art a man of worthiness;
But hark how I can now express
My love unto my neatherdess. [He sings
Chor. A sugar'd note! and sound as sweet
As kine when they at milking meet.
1. Now for to win thy heifer fair,
I'll strike thee such a nimble air
