Page:The Shepherd's Week - Gay (1728).djvu/22

Let hares and hounds in coupling straps unite,^[1]
The clocking hen make friendship with the kite, 60
Let the fox simply wear the nuptial noose,
And join in wedlock with the wadling goose;
For love hath brought a stranger thing to pass,
The fairest shepherd weds the foulest lass.
 My plaint, ye lasses, with this burthen aid, 65
'Tis hard so true a damsel dies a maid.
 Sooner shall cats disport in waters clear,^[2]
And speckled mackrels graze the meadows fair,
Sooner shall scriech-owls bask in sunny day,
And the slow ass on trees, like squirrels, play, 70
Sooner shall snails on insect pinions rove,
Then I forget my shepherd's wonted love!
 My plaint, ye lasses, with this burthen aid,
'Tis hard so true a damsel dies a maid.
Ah! didst thou know what profers I withstood,
When late I met the squire in yonder wood! 76
To me he sped, regardless of his game,
While all my cheek was glowing red with shame;
My lip he kiss'd, and prais'd my healthful look,
Then from his purse of silk a guinea took, 80
Into my hand he forc'd the tempting gold,
While I with modest struggling broke his hold.
He swore that Dick in liv'ry strip'd with lace,
Should wed me soon to keep me from disgrace;
But I nor footman priz'd nor golden fee, 85
For what is lace or gold compar'd to thee?
 My plaint, ye lasses, with this burthen aid,
'Tis hard so true a damsel dies a maid.

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1. Line 59Jungentur jam Gryphes equis; ævoque sequenti
   Cum canibus timidi venient ad pocula Damæ.Virg.
   
   
2. 67Ante leves ergo pascentur in aethere Cervi
   Et freta destituent nudos in littore Pisces ———
   Quam nostro illius labatur pectore vultus.Virg.
   
   

Now