144
AMYNTAS.
"As near me as I have this rugged steep,
"I'd seek to die thy death, my hapless fair one!
"I'd wish to have my body torn, and mangled,
"As was thy delicate, and beauteous frame:
"I grudge myself an easier death than thine.
"But since I cannot have my wish accomplished;
"Since Heaven denies the opportune attack
"Of a rapacious animal; this way
"I'll take to die, although it be too gentle.
"Sylvia, I follow thee, I come: Oh! Sylvia; let me
"Be thy companion in a better state!
"How richly would my death be then rewarded!
"Yes, Sylvia, sure thou wilt; the land of spirits,
"Is, doubtless, a more generous world than this,
"And consequently doth exalt our natures.
"There too a purer fame inspires the swain
"For unembodied nymph; thy virtue placed
"Beyond the reach of gross mortality,
"Thy virgin-fears will there be all removed;
"I'd seek to die thy death, my hapless fair one!
"I'd wish to have my body torn, and mangled,
"As was thy delicate, and beauteous frame:
"I grudge myself an easier death than thine.
"But since I cannot have my wish accomplished;
"Since Heaven denies the opportune attack
"Of a rapacious animal; this way
"I'll take to die, although it be too gentle.
"Sylvia, I follow thee, I come: Oh! Sylvia; let me
"Be thy companion in a better state!
"How richly would my death be then rewarded!
"Yes, Sylvia, sure thou wilt; the land of spirits,
"Is, doubtless, a more generous world than this,
"And consequently doth exalt our natures.
"There too a purer fame inspires the swain
"For unembodied nymph; thy virtue placed
"Beyond the reach of gross mortality,
"Thy virgin-fears will there be all removed;
"For
