Page:Virgil's Pastorals, Georgics and Aeneis - Dryden (1709) - volume 1.pdf/183

They hear the Hinds, they hear their God complain;$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$
Who suffer'd not the Reeds to rise in vain:34
Begin with me, my Flute, the sweet Mænalian Strain.

Mopsus triumphs; he weds the willing Fair:
When such is Nisa's choice, what Lover can despair!
Now Griffons join with Mares; another Age
Shall see the Hound and Hind their Thirst asswage,
Promiscuous at the Spring: Prepare the Lights,40
O Mopsus! and perform the bridal Rites.
Scatter thy Nuts among the scrambling Boys:
Thine is the Night; and thine the Nuptial Joys.
For thee the Sun declines: O happy Swain!44
Begin with me, my Flute, the sweet Mænalian Strain.

O, Nisa! Justly to thy Choice condemn'd,
Whom hast thou taken, whom hast thou contemn'd!
For him, thou hast refus'd my browzing Herd,
Scorn'd my thick Eye-brows, and my shaggy Beard.
Unhappy Damon sighs, and sings in vain:$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$50
While Nisa thinks no God regards a Lover's pain.
Begin with me, my Flute, the sweet Mænalian Strain.

I view'd thee first; how fatal was the View!
And led thee where the ruddy Wildings grew,
High on the planted hedge, and wet with Morning Dew.
Then scarce the bending Branches I cou'd win;56
The callow Down began to cloath my Chin;