THE SHEPHERD'S TALES.  

Too true poor shepherds do this Proverb find,  
No sooner out of sight then out of mind.   
LONDON, Printed for Richard Whitaker. 1621.   

TO MY WORTHY AND AFFECTIONATE KINSMAN RICHARD HUTTON Esquire, Son and Heir to the much honoured and sincere dispenser of judgement, Sir RICHARD HUTTON Sergeant at Law, and one of the judges of the Common Pleas:  
The fruition of his selectedst wishes.  

TO sit secure and in a safe repose,  
To view the cross occurrences of those  
Who are on Sea; or in a silent shade,  
To eye the state of such as are decayed;  
Or near some silver Rill or Beechy Grove,  
To read how Star-crossed lovers lost their love,  
Is best of humane blessings, and this best  
Is in your worthy self (Dear Cousin) expressed,  
Who by your father's virtues and your own  
Are truly loved, wheresever you are known:  
In State secure, rich in a faithful make,  
And rich in all that may secure your State.  
Now in these days of yours, these Haltion days,  
Where you enjoy all joy, peruse these lays,  
That you who lived to love, live where you love,  
May read what you ne'er felt, nor ere did prove;  
Poor Swainlins crossed where they affected most,  
And crossed in that which made them ever crossed.  
Receive this Poem, Sir, for as I live,  
Had I ought better, I would better give.   
RICH: BRAYHWAIT.   

THE SHEPHERD'S TALES.  
THE FIRST PART.  
The Argument.  

TEchnis complains,  
And labours to display  
Th'unjust distaste  
Of Amarillida.   
The second Argument.  

HEre relates this forlorn Swain  
How he wooed, but wooed in vain,  
Her whose beauty did surpass  
Shape of any Country Lass,  
Made more to delight the bed,  
Than to see her Lambkins fed;  
Yet poor Shepherd see his fate,  
Love she vowed, is changed to hate:  
For being jealous of his love,  
She her fancy doth remove,  
Planting it upon a Groom,  
Who by Cupid's blindest doom  
Is preferred unto those joys,  
Which were ne'er ordained for Boys:  
On whose face ne'er yet appeared  
Downie show of manly beard.  
Having thus drunk sorrows cup,  
First, he shows his bringing up,  
What those Arts were he professed,  
Which in homely style expressed,  
He descends unto the Swain  
Whom he sought by love to gain;  
But prevented of his aim,  
Her he shows, but hides her shame.   
THE SHEPHERD'S TALES.  The shepherds. Technis. Dymnus. Dorycles. Corydon. Sapphus. Linus. 

THE FIRST EGLOGVE.  Technis tale. 
WHy now I see these Plains some good afford,  
When Shpherds will be masters of their word.  Dory. 
Yes; Technis yes, we see it now & then  
That they'll keep touch as well as greater men,  
Who can protest and take a solemn vow  
To do fare more than they intent to do.  Dim. 
Stay Dorycles, me thinks thou goest too fare  
Let's talk of Shepherds, as we Shepherds are:  
For why should we these Great men's errors note,  
But learn unto our Cloth to cut our coat.  Sapp. 
Dymnus, 'tis true; we came not to display  
Great men's abuses, but to pass away  
The time in Tales, wherein we may relate  
By one and one our blessed or wretched state.  Cor. 
Indeed friend Dymnus therefore came we hither,  
To show our Fortune and distress together.  Lin. 
Proceed then Technis, you're the eldest Swain  
That now feeds Flocks upon this fruitful Plain:  
So as your age, whatsever we allege,  
Doth well deserve that proper privilege.  Tech. 
As to begin;  Lin. 
So Technis do I mean.  Tech. 
Thanks Shepherds hearty, that you will deign  
A hapless Swain such grace; which to requite,  
I'll mix my doleful Story with delight,  
That while ye weep for grief, I may allay  
Your discontent, and wipe your tears away.  Dory. 
On Technis on, and we'll attention lend,  
And wish thy love may have a happy end.  Dim. 
Which shown, each shall reply, and make expressed  
When all is done, whose fate's the heaviest.  Tech. 
Attend then Shepherds, now I do begin,  
Showing you first where I had nurturing,  
Which to unfold the better, I will choose  
No other words then homespun Herdsmen use.  
First then, because some Shepherds may suppose  
By mere conjecture, I am one of those  
Who had my breeding on this flowery Plain,  
I must confess that they are much mista'ne,  
For if I would, I could strange stories tell  
Of Plato's and of Aristotle's Well,  
From whence I drained such drops of divine wit,  
As all our Swains could hardly dive to it:  Dor. 
Indeed I heard much of thee in thy youth.  Tech. 
Yes Dorycles, I say no more than truth.  
A Prenticeship did I in Athens live,  
Not without hope but I might after give  
Content and comfort where I should remain,  
And little thought I then to be a Swain:  
For I may say to you, I then did seem  
One of no small or popular esteem,  
But of consort with such, whose height of place  
Advanced me, because I had their grace:  
Though now, since I my Lambkins 'gan to feed,  
Clad in my russet coat and country weed,  
Those broad-spred Cedars scarce afford a nest  
Upon their shady Boughs, where I may rest.  Sapp. 
It seems, they're great men Technis.  Tech. 
So they are,  
And for inferior groundlins, little care.  
But may they flourish; thus much I am sure,  
Though Shrubs be not so high, they're more secure.  Lin. 
High states indeed are subject to decline.  Tech. 
Yes Linus yes, in this corrupted time  
We may observe by due experience  
That where a Person has preeminence,  
He so transported grows, as he will check  
jove in his Throne, till Pride has broke his neck,  
Whereas so virtuous were precedent times,  
As they were free not only from the crimes  
To which this age's exposed, but did live  
As men which scorned Ambition.  Dymn. 
Now I dive  
Into thy meaning Technis; thou dost grieve  
That those who once endeared thee, now should leave  
Thy fellowship.  Tech. 
Nay Dymnus I protest  
I never credited what they professed;  
For should I grieve to see a surly Lout,  
Who for observance casts his eye about;  
In nothing meriting, save only He  
Is rich in acres, to disvalue me?  Dory. 
No Technis no, thou'rt of a higher spirit  
Than these inferior Gnats, whose only merit  
Consists in what they have, not what they are.  Tech. 
No Dorycles, for these I little care,  
Nor ever did: though some there be that feed  
On such men's breath.  Dymn. 
Good Technis now proceed.  Tech. 
Having thus long continued, as I said,  
And by my long continuance Graduate made,  
I took more true delight in being there,  
Than ever since in Court or Country air.  Sapph. 
Indeed minds freedom best contenteth men.  Tech. 
And such a freedom I enjoyed then,  
As in those Beechie shades of Hesperie,  
I planted then my sole felicity.  
So as howsere some of our rural Swains  
Prerogative above all others claims,  
That they have nought, want nought, nor care for aught,  
Because their mind unfurnished is of nought  
That may accomplish man: I could aver,  
(Howsere I doubt these in opinion err)  
That in my breast was treasured more bliss,  
Then ever sensual man could yet possess.  
For my delights were princely, and not vain,  
Where height of knowledge was my only aim,  
Whose happy purchase might enrich me more,  
Then all this trash which worldly men adore.  
So as if Pan were not the same he is,  
He'd wish himself but to enjoy my bliss,  
Whose choice content afford me so great power,  
As I might vie with greatest Emperor.  Coryd. 
It seems thy state was happy;  Tech. 
So it was,  
And did my present state so fare surpass,  
As th' high topped Cedar cannot bear more show  
Above the lowest Mushroom that doth grow,  
Or more exceed in glory, than that time  
Outstripped this present happiness of mine.  
For tell me Shepherds, what's esteemed amongst men  
The greatest joy, which I enjoyed not then!  
For is there comfort in retired life?  
I did possess a life exempt from strife,  
Free from litigious clamour, or report  
Sprung from commencement of a tedious Court.  
Is contemplation sweet, or conference,  
Or ripe conceits? why there's an influence,  
Drawn from minerva's brain, where every wit  
Transcends conceit, and seems to ravish it.  
Is it delightful Shepherds to repose,  
And all-alone to read of others woes?  
Why there in Tragic Stories might we spend  
Whole hours in choice discourses to a friend.  
And reason of Occurrents to and fro,  
And why this thing or that did happen so.  
Might it content man, to allay the load  
Of a distempered mind to walk abroad,  
That he might moderate the thought of care  
By choice acquaintance, or by change of air?  
What noble consorts might you quickly find  
To share in sorrow with a troubled mind?  
What cheerful Groves, what silent murmuring springs,  
Delicious walks, and airy warble,  
Fresh flowery Pastures, Gardens which might please  
The senses more than did th' Hesperideses,  
Greene shady Arbours, curled streams which flow,  
On whose pure Margins shady Beeches grow,  
Myrtle-perfumed Plains, on whose rered tops  
The merry Thrush and Blackbird nimbly hops  
And carols sings, so as the passers by  
Would deem the Birds infused with poesy?  Sapp. 
Sure Technis this was earthly Paradise.  Tech. 
Sapphus it was; for what can Swain device  
To tender all delight to eye or ear,  
Taste, Smell, or Touch which was not frequent there?  
Besides;  Lin. 
What could be more, pray Technis say?  Tech. 
We had more joys to pass the time away.  Dory. 
What might they be good Technis?  Tech. 
Alas I know  
They're such as Shepherds cannot reach unto.  Dim. 
Yet let us hear them.  Tech. 
So I mean you shall,  
And they were such as we internal call.  Cor. 
Infernal, Technis, what is meant by that?  Tech. 
Infernal, no; thou speak'st thou know'st not what:  
I mean internal gifts which fare surmount  
All these external bounties in account:  
For by these blessings we shall ever find  
Rich Treasures stored in a knowing mind,  
Whose glorious inside is a thousand fold  
More precious than her Case though clothed in gold  
And all Habiliments: for by this light  
Of Understanding, we discern what's right  
From crooked error, and are truly said  
To understand by this, why we were made.  Sapp. 
Why, we ne'er thought of this.  Lin. 
Nay, I may swear  
I have lived on this Down, this twenty year,  
And that was my least care.  Corid. 
Linus, I vow  
To feed our Sheep, was all that we need do  
I ever thought.  Dory. 
So Coridon did I.  Dymn. 
The cause of this, good Technis, now descry.  Tech. 
Herdsmen I will; with purpose to relate,  
Lest my Discourse should be too intricate,  
In brief, (for length makes Memory to fail)  
The substance of your wishes in a Tale.  
Within that pitchy and Cymmerian clime,  
Certain Inhabitants dwelled on a time,  
Who long had in those shady Mountains won,  
Yet never saw a glimpse of Sun or Moon.  
Yet see what custom is, though they were penned  
From fight of Sun or Moon they were content,  
Sporting themselves in vaults and arched caves,  
Not so like dwelling Houses, as like graves.  
Nor were these men seen ere so fare to roam  
At any time as half a mile from home;  
For if they had, as th' History doth say,  
They had been sure right soon to lose their way:  
For dark and misty were those dreary caves  
Where they reposed, so that the wretchedst slaves  
Can not exposed be to more restraint,  
Than these poor snakes in th'ragged Mountains penned;  
And thus they lived.  Lin. 
But never loved.  Tech. 
To tell  
Their loves I will not: but it thus befell,  
That a great Prince, who to increase his fame  
Had conquered many Countries, thither came.  Sapp. 
For what good Technis?  Tech. 
Only to survey it.  Corid. 
Why sure he had some Torchlight to display it,  
For th' Coast you say was dark.  Tech. 
And so it was;  
But yet attend me how it came to pass:  
By means he used, having this coast surveyed,  
With all persuasive reasons he assayed,  
Partly by fair means to induce them to it,  
Sometimes by threats, when he was forced unto it,  
That they would leave that forlorn place, and give  
Way to persuasion, and resolve to live  
Near some more cheerful Border, which in time  
They gave consent to, and forsook their Clime.  
But see the strength of Habit, when they came  
To see the light they hid themselves for shame,  
Their eyes grew dazzled, and they did not know,  
Where to retire or to what place to go:  
Yet was the Region pleasant, full of groves,  
Where th' airy Choristers express their loves  
One to another and with Melody  
Cheered and refreshed Silvanus' Empery.  
The warbling Goldfinch on the dangling spray,  
Sent out harmonious Music every day;  
The pretty speckled Violet on the Bank  
With Pink and Rose-bud placed in their rank;  
Where chafed Violets did so fresh appear,  
As they foretold the Springtime now drew near;  
Whose borders were with various colours died,  
And Primrose banks with odours beautified;  
Where cornel trees were planted in great store,  
Whose chequered berries beautified the shore.  
Besides, such gorgeous buildings as no eye  
Can take a view of fuller Majesty;  
Whose curious pillars made of Porphyrite  
Smooth to the touch, and specious to the sight,  
Sent from their hollow Cell a crispling breath,  
Arched above and vaulted underneath.  
Yet could not all these choice varieties  
(Which might have given content to choicer eyes)  
Satisfy these Cimmerians, for their aim  
Was to return unto their Caves again,  
And so they did: for when the Prince perceived  
How hard it was from error to be reaved,  
Where ignorance discerns not what is good,  
Because it is not rightly understood;  
He sent them home again, where they remained  
From comfort of Society restrained.  Dim. 
Apply this Tale, my Technis;  Tech. 
Hear me then.  
You may be well compared unto these men,  
Who ignorant of knowledge, do esteem  
More of your Flocks, how they may fruitful seem,  
Then of that part, whereby you may be said  
From savage beasts to be distinguished.  Dory. 
Technis you are too bitter;  Tech. 
Not a whit,  
Shepherds should tell a Shepherd what is fit:  
Though I confess that Herdsmen merit praise,  
When they take care upon the Flocks they graze.  
Yet to recount those Swains of elder time,  
How some were rapt with Sciences divine,  
Others adorned with Art of Poesy,  
Others to reason of Astrology;  
Swains of this time might think't a very shame,  
To be so bold as to retain the name  
Of jolly Herdsmen, when they want the worth  
Of those brave Swains which former times brought forth.  Corid. 
Why, what could they?  Tech. 
Endorse their Names in trees,  
And write such amorous Poems as might please  
Their dearest loves.  Dim. 
Why Technis what was this,  
Can we not please our loves more with a kiss?  Dory. 
Yes Dymnus, thou knowst that;  Dim. 
Perchance I do,  
For Dymnus knows no other way to woo.  
But pray thee Technis let us say no more,  
But hie thee now to where thou left before.  Tech. 
I'm easily entreated; draw then near,  
And as I lend a tongue, lend you an ear.  
Having long lived in minerva's Grove,  
My life became an Emblem of pure love.  Dim. 
Of Love my Technis, pray thee say to whom!  Tech. 
As thou meanest Dymnus, I did fancy none:  
No; my affection soared higher fare,  
Than on such toys as now affected are:  
I deated not on Beauty, nor did take  
My aim at fair, but did observance make,  
How humane things be shared by divine power,  
Where fickle faith scarce constant rests one hour;  
How highest states were subject'st to decline;  
How nought on Earth but subject unto Time;  
How vice though clad in purple was but vice;  
How virtue clad in rags was still in price;  
How Commonweals in peace should make for war;  
How Honour crownes such as deserving are.  Dory. 
And yet we see such as deserved most,  
What ere the cause be, are the oftest crossed.  Tech. 
I'll not deny it (Swain) and yet attend,  
For all their cross occurrents, but their end,  
And thou shalt see the fawning Sycophant  
Die indisgrace, and leave his Heir in want:  
While th'honest and deserving Statesman gives  
Life to his Name and in his dying lives.  
This I observed and many things beside,  
Whilst I in famous Athens did abide;  
But 'lasse whilst I secure from thought of care,  
With choicest consorts did delight me there,  
Free from the tongue of rumour or of strife,  
I was to take me to another life.  Lin. 
To what good Technis?  Tech. 
To have Harpies claws;  
To take my fee and then neglect the cause.  Sapp. 
A Lawyer Technis!  Tech. 
So my father said,  
Who as he had commanded, I obeyed.  
But judge now Shepherds, could I choose to grieve,  
When I must leave, what I was forced to leave,  
Those sweet delightful Arts, with which my youth  
Was first informed, and now attained such growth,  
As I did reap more happy comfort thence  
In one short hour than many Twelvemonths since?  Corid. 
This was a hard command.  Tech. 
Yet was it fit  
I should respect his love imposed it.  
For ne'er had Father shown unto his son  
More tender love than he to me had done:  
So as his will was still to me a law,  
Which I observed more for love than awe,  
For in that child few seeds of grace appear,  
Whom love doth less induce than thought of fear.  
Having now ta'en my leave of all the Muses,  
I made me fit as other Students uses,  
To wain my mind, and to withdraw my sight  
From all such studies gave me once delight:  
And to inure me better to discern  
Such rudiments as I desired to learn,  
I went to john a Styles, and john an Okes,  
And many other Law-baptized folks,  
Whereby I set the practice of the Law  
At as light count as turning of a straw,  
For strait I found how john a Styles did state it,  
But I was over Style ere I came at it;  
For having thought (so easy was the way)  
That one might be a Lawyer the first day:  
I after found the further that I went,  
The further was I from my Element:  
Yet forasmuch as I esteemed it vain,  
To purchase law still from another's brain,  
I striven to get some law at any rate,  
At least so much as might concern my state.  Lin. 
I am more sorry for it.  Tech. 
Linus why?  Lin. 
Because I fear me thou wilt have an eye  
More to thy private profit, than devise  
How to atone such quarrels as arise.  Dim. 
Technis is none of those.  Tech. 
No, credit me,  
Though I'm resolved many such there be  
Who can dispense with fees on either part,  
Which I have ever scorned with my heart;  
For this shall be my practice, to assay  
Without a fee to do you th' good I may.  Corid. 
Technis enough.  Tech. 
Having thus long applied  
The stream of Law, my aged father died,  
Whose virtues to relate I shall not need,  
For you all knew him;  Doric. 
So we did indeed:  
A Patron of all justice, do him right.  Sap. 
Nor was there Art wherein he had no fight.  Dim. 
Yet was he humble;  Lin. 
And in that more blest.  Corid. 
He life's though seeming dead;  Tech. 
So let him rest.  
Having lost him whose life supported me,  
You may imagine Shepherds, what might be  
My hard succeeding fate: down must I go  
To know if this report were true or no.  
Which I did find too true, for he was dead,  
And had enjoined me Guardians in his stead  
To sway my untraind youth.  Dim. 
And what were they?  Tech. 
Such men as I had reason to obey:  
For their advice was ever for my good,  
If my green years so much had understood:  
But I puffed up with thought of my domains,  
Gave way to Folly, and did slack my raines  
Of long restraint;  Dory. 
Alas Technis, than I see  
What in the end was like to fall on thee.  Tech. 
O Dorycles if thou hadst known my state,  
Thou wouldst have pitied it!  Corid. 
Nay rather hate  
Thy youthful riot.  Tech. 
Thou speaks well unto't,  
For the Black Ox had ne'er trod on my foot:  
I had my former studies in despite,  
And in the vainest consorts took delight.  
Which much incensed such as affection bore  
To my esteem: but little did I care  
For the instruction of my grave Protectors  
Who never left me, but like wise directors  
Consulted how to rectify my state,  
And some advised this, and others that,  
For never any could more faithful be  
In sincere trust, than they were unto me.  
At last, one to compose and end the strife,  
Thought it the fitt'st that I should take a wife.  Corid. 
Yea, now it works.  Lin. 
Stay till he come unto't;  Sap. 
And then I know he will go roundly to't.  Tech. 
Nay jest not on me, but awhile forbear,  
And you the issue of my love shall hear.  
Having at last concluded, as I said,  
With joint consent I should be married,  
One amongst the rest did freely undertake  
This privaete motion to myself to make;  
Which I gave ear to: wishing too that he  
Would me inform where this my Wife should be,  Dim. 
As it was fit.  Cor. 
Who was it thou shouldst ha'?  Tech. 
He tell thee Boy, 'twas Amarillida.  Cor. 
Lycus fair daughter!  Tech. 
Yes, the very same.  Dory. 
She was a wench indeed of worthy fame;  Tech. 
As ere fed Lambkins on this flowery Down▪  
Whom many sought and sued to make their own,  
But she affected so a virgin life,  
As she did scorn to be Amyntas' wife.  Dim. 
Is it possible?  Tech. 
Yes Dymnus I do know  
Some tokens of affection 'twixt them two,  
Which if thou heard, right soon wouldst thou confess,  
More unfaind love no Herdsman could express:  
But to omit the rest, I mean to show  
The time and tide when I began to woe.  
Upon that 
* 〈◊〉 Valen● day; 〈◊〉 which 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 to ●●fe their ●tes, with ●om ●y re●e and 〈◊〉 take in ●tuall ●es.  Day (sad day and heavy fate)  
When every Bird is said to choose her mate,  
Did I repair unto that fairest fair,  
That ever loved, or lived, or breathed on air.  
And her I wooed, but she was so demure,  
So modest bashful, and so maiden pure,  
As at the first, nor at the second time  
She would no ear to sound of love incline.  Cor. 
But this (I'm sure) would be no means to draw  
Thy love's assault from Amarillida.  Tech. 
No Coridon, for than I should not seem  
Worthy so rare a Nymph as she had been.  
But I did find that female foes would yield,  
Though their relentless breasts at first were steeled▪  
Continual drops will pierce the hardest stone.  Sap. 
Did Technis find her such a stony one?  Tech. 
Sapph I did: yet though she oft had vowed  
A vestal life, and had my suit withstood,  
I found her of a better mind next day,  
For she had thrown her vestal weed away.  Lin. 
Thrice happy Shepherd!  Tech. 
Linus, say not so;  
If it be happiness to end in woe,  
Thou mightst enstyle me happy;  Dory. 
Was not she  
Fully resolved now to marry thee?  Tech. 
Yes Dorycles: but when she had consented,  
Hear by what strange mischance I was prevented▪  
Upon a time a Summering there was,  
Where every lively Lad took in his Lass  
To dance his Measure, and amongst the rest  
I took me one as frolic as the best.  Dim. 
What was she man?  Tech. 
A Matron full of zeal,  
But pardon me, I must her name conceal.  Lin. 
It was Alburna I durst pawn my life.  Tech. 
I must confess it was the Parson's wife,  
A lusty Trolops I may say to you,  
And one could foot it give the wench her due.  Lin. 
Yea marry Sir, there was a Lass indeed  
Knew how she should about a Maypole tread.  Tech. 
And I may say, if Linus had been there,  
He would have said, we evenly matched were:  
For I may say at that day there was none  
At any active game could put me down.  
And for a dance;  Sap. 
As light as any feather,  
For thou didst win the Leg three years together.  Tech. 
And many said that it great pity was  
That such a Parson had not such a Lass:  
So as indeed all did conclude and say,  
That we deserved the Prick and prize that day.  
But having now our May-games wholly played,  
Danced till we weary were, and Piper paid:  
Each took his wench he danced with on the Down,  
Meaning to give her curtsy of the Town.  Sim. 
What curtsy Technis?  Tech. 
As our Shepherd's use,  
Which they in modesty cannot refuse:  
And this we did, and thus we parted then,  
Men from their women, women from their men.  Dory. 
But didst near after with Alburna meet?  Tech. 
Yes, on a time I met her in the street,  
Who after kind salutes invited me  
Unto her house, which in civility  
I could not well deny;  Dim. 
True Technis true.  Tech. 
And she received me, give the wench her due,  
With such a free and graceful entertain,  
As did exceed th' expectance of a Swain.  Dory. 
She had some reason for it;  Tech. 
None I may swear,  
Save that she joyed much to see me there.  Dory. 
Yet did;  Tech. 
Did eat, did drink, and merry make,  
For no delight save these did Technis take.  
For I may say to you if so I had,  
My luck to Horseflesh had not been so bad,  
As by some years experience I have found;  
So as of your suspicion there's no ground:  
But if I had, no fate could be more hard  
Than that which I sustained afterward.  Corid. 
Relate it Technis.  Tech. 
To my grief I will,  
Having done this without least thought of ill,  
This (as report doth new additions draw)  
Came to the ear of Amarillida:  
Who jealous of my love (as women are)  
Thought that Alburna had no little share  
In my affection, which I may protest  
Was ne'er as much as meant, much less expressed.  Sap. 
Alas good Shepherd.  Tech. 
So as from that day  
I found her fancy falling still away,  
For to what place soever I did come,  
She feigned excuse to leave me and the room.  Lin. 
Yet she ne'er fixed her love on any one.  Tech. 
Yes Linus, else what cause had I to moon?  
Some few months after did she take a Mate,  
I must confess of infinite estate;  
Yet in my mind (nor do I speak't in spite)  
He's one can give a woman small delight,  
For he's a very Erwig.  Lin. 
What is he?  Tech. 
Petreius son;  Lin. 
The map of misery.  Tech. 
Yet thou wouldst wonder how this dunghill worn  
When he encounters me, redarts a scorn  
On my contemned love:  Dim. 
All this doth show,  
That he resolves to triumph in thy woe,  
But how stands she affected?  Tech. 
Alas for grief,  
She is so fare from yielding me relief,  
As she in public meetings has assayed  
To glory in the tricks which she hath played.  Dory. 
O matchless insolence!  Tech. 
Yet shall my blasse  
In wanting her, be charactered in this;  
" Having lost all that ere thy labour gained,  
" Be sure to keep thy precious name unstained.  Corid. 
A good resolve.  Tech. 
Yet must I never leave  
While I do live, but I must live to grieve:  
For I persuade me, there was never Swain  
Was recompensed with more unjust disdain,  Dim. 
Indeed thou well mightst grieve.  Dory. 
Yet  appear,  
I have more cause, if you my Tale will hear:  
For ne'er was story mixed with more ruth,  
Or gronnded on more Arguments of truth.  Corid. 
Let's have it Dorycles;  Dory. 
With all my heart,  
And plainly too; grief hates all words of 〈◊〉.   

The Argument.  

DOrycles love's Bellina;  
Who esteems  
As well of him,  
But proves not same she seems.    

The second Argument.  

DOrycles a youthful Swain,  
Seeks Bellina's love to gain:  
Who, so even doth fancy strike,  
Tenders Dorycles the like.  
Yet observe how women be  
Subject to inconstancy!  
She in absence of her love,  
Her affection doth remove,  
Planting it upon a Swad,  
That no wit nor breeding had,  
Whom she honours; but in time  
Dorycles seems to divine,  
Since her loan is stained with sin,  
She'll ere long dishonour him;  
For who once hath broke her vow,  
Will infringeed to others too.  
In the end he doth express  
His disdainful Shepherdess:  
Who, when she had injured  
Him and his, and canceled  
That same sacred secret oath,  
Firmly tendered by them both;  
She a Willow-garland sends  
For to make her Swain amends,  
Which he wears, and vows till death  
He will wear that forlorn wreath.  
With protests of less delight  
In her Love, than in her Spite.    

THE SECOND EGLOGVE.  Dorycles tale. 
COme Shepherds come, and hear the woefull'st Swain  
That ever lived, or loved on western plain:  
Whose heavy fate all others doth surpass  
That ere you heard;  Dim. 
Say Herdsman what it was.  Dory. 
I must and will, though Dymnus I confess,  
I'm very loath my folly to express,  
Whose madding passion though it merit blame,  
I will displayed.  Tech. 
To't then: away with shame.  Dory. 
I loved a bonny Lass as ere loved man,  
For she a middle had that you might span,  
A moving eye, a nimble mincing foot,  
And mannerly she was, for she could lout:  
And her I loved, and me she held as dear.  Corid. 
But Dorycles where lived she?  Dory. 
Very near:  
Know'st thou not Polychrestus?  Corid. 
Who, the Swain  
That with his sheep doth cover all our Plain?  Dory. 
It seems thou know'st him Coridon;  Corid. 
I do:  
And seven years since I knew his Daughter too.  Dory. 
Who, fair Bellina?  Corid. 
Yes, the very same.  Dory. 
And her I loved, nor need I think it a shame.  
For what might move affection or imply  
Content of love to any Shepherd's eye,  
Which she enjoyed not? For if choice discourse  
(As what more moving than the tongue) had force  
To infuse love, there was no Herdsman near her  
Who was not ravished if he chanced to hear her;  
And for a beauty mixed with white and red.  Corid. 
I know it was rare, good Dorycles proceed.  Dory. 
When I was young, as yet I am not old,  
I doted more than now a hundred fold:  
For there was not a May-game that could show it  
All here about, but I repaired unto it,  
Yet knew not what love meant, but was content  
To spend the time in harmless merriment.  
But at the last, I played so long with fire,  
I cinged my wings with heat of love's desire.  
And to display my folly how it was  
Without digression, thus it came to pass.  
Down by you Vale a Myrtle grove there is,  
(Oh that I ne'er had seen it, I may wish)  
Where Pan the Shepherd's God to whom we pray,  
Solemnised had his wont holiday:  
Whereto resorted many noble Swains,  
Who flourish yet upon our neighbour Plains;  
Mongst which Bellina with a youthful sort  
Of amorous Nymphs, came to surney our sport.  
Which I observing (see the fault of youth)  
Transported with vainglory, thought in truth  
She came a purpose for a sight of me,  
Which I with smiles requited lovingly:  
But howe'er, I know Bellina eyed  
My person more than all the Swains beside.  
When night was come, unwelcome unto some,  
And each was now to hasten towards home,  
I'mongst the rest of Lads, did homeward pass,  
And all this time I knew not what Love was.  
To supper went I and fell to my fare,  
As if of love I had but little care,  
And after supper went to fire to chat  
Of sundry old-wives tales, as this and that;  
Yet all this while love had no power of me,  
Nor no command that ever I could see.  
Having thus spent in tales an hour or two,  
Each to his rest (as he thought best) did go,  
But now when I should take me to my rest,  
That troubled me which I did think of least.  Tech. 
Trouble thee Swain!  Dory. 
Yes Technis; and the more,  
Because I never felt such pangs before.  
This way and that way did I toss and turn,  
And freeze and fry, and shake for cold and burn,  
So as I wished a hundred times, that day  
Would now approach my passion to allay.  
Yet still, (so weak was my distempered brain)  
I thought Bellina put me to that pain,  
Yet knew no cause why she should use me so,  
Yet thought to ask her if't were she or no:  
So as next day, I purposed to repair  
To see if she could yield a cure to care.  
But she (poor wench) was split on fancy's shelf,  
All full of care, yet could not cure herself;  
So as in brief we either did impart,  
The secret passions of a wounded heart,  
Shot by love's shaft, for so't appeared to be,  
Which found, we vowed a present remedy;  
Yet to our friends both she and I did feane,  
As if we never had acquainted been.  Dim. 
A pretty sleight;  Dory. 
Though many times and oft,  
Played we at Barlybreake in Clitus croft.  
And thus our loves continued one half year  
Without suspicion, till one neighbouring near,  
An equal friend unto us both, did make  
A motion of our Marriage.  Tech. 
Did it take?  Dory. 
Yes Technis yes, so as first day I went,  
My friends, to show that they were well content,  
Wished that all good success might usher me.  Lin. 
One should have thrown an old  after thee,  Dory. 
Nay Linus that was done: and now to high  
Unto my Tale, on went my dog and I,  
Poor loave-eard Cur.  Sapp. 
Why Dorycles, hadst none  
To second thee?  Dory. 
Too many (Swain) by one:  
For trowst thou Lad, when I my suit should make  
Unto her friends, my dog he let a scape.  Sapp. 
Ill nurtured stitchell.  Dory. 
Now ye may suppose  
Bellina took the Pepper in the nose,  
That to her friends when I should break my mind,  
The carrian Cur should at that time break wind.  
So as for half an hour I there did show  
Like to a senseless Picture made of dough:  
Nor was my dog lesse 'sham'd, but runs away  
With tail betwixt his legs with speed he may.  
At last my spirits I did call together,  
Showing her friends the cause why I came thither,  
Who did accept my motion; for that day  
I was esteemed a proper Swain I say,  
And one well left.  Cor. 
We know it Dorycles,  
Both for thy wealth and person thou mightst please.  Lin. 
For good mug-sheepe and cattles, I'll be sworn  
None could come near thee both for hair and horn.  Dory. 
Ye overvalue me, but sure I am  
I had sufficient for an honest man:  
Having thus free access to her I loved,  
Who my affection long before had proved  
Though she seemed nice, as women often use,  
When what they love they seemingly refuse.  
Not to insist aught longer on the matter,  
They deemed me worthy, if they did not flatter,  
Of her I sued; So as without more stay,  
Appointed was this solemn Nuptial day.  Sapp. 
Happy appointment,  Dory. 
Sapphus say not so,  
It rather was the subject of my woe,  
For having heard reported for a truth  
She formerly had loved a dapper youth,  
With whom she purposed even in friend's despite,  
To make a private scape one winter night;  
I for a while thought to surcease my suit,  
Till I heard further of this jealous bruit.  Tech. 
Why didst thou so? Bellina had consented  
To love that youth, before you were acquainted.  Dory. 
Technis 'tis true; But seem there were averred,  
Though I'm resolved they in opinion erred,  
That these two were affide one to the other.  Sapp. 
What hindered then the match?  Dory. 
Bellinas mother:  
Who tender of th' advancement of her child,  
And well perceiving Crispus to be wild,  
(For so the youth was named) did withdraw  
Bellina from him by imperious awe:  
Which done, and he prevented of her daughter,  
His Country left, he never sought her after.  Tech. 
I knew that Crispus.  Dory. 
Then you knew a Lad  
Of seeming presence, but he little had,  
And that was cause he grew i● disesteem.  Sap. 
Alas that want of means should make us mean.  Dory. 
So did it far with him; for 〈◊〉 his praise  
(Though with his tongue he wronged me many ways,  
But tongues inur'd to tales are ne'er believed)  
He had from Nature choicest gifts received,  
Which might have moved love in a worthy creature,  
If that his life had been unto his feature.  
But promising outsides like the Panther's skin,  
Though fair without, are oft times foul within;  
But heavens, I hope, to mercy will receive him,  
His wrongs to me are buried; so I leave him.  Corid. 
But admit Shepherd they had been affide,  
She might revolt, it cannot be denied.  Dory. 
I grant she might; and I confess there be  
Some that have doneed are greater fare than we:  
But goodness is the mark, not height of state  
That meaner men by right should imitate.  
I might produce store of examples here,  
But lest I should be tedious, I forbear,  
What tragic Scenes from breach of faith are bred,  
How it hath caused much guiltless blood be shed.  
This caused me for a time to hold my hand,  
To see how all this business would stand,  
And that I might my fancy better wain  
From her I loved, to Troynovant I came.  
Where I employed myself no little time  
About occasions for a friend of mine:  
For I did think to be from place removed,  
Would make me soon forget the wench I loved.  Sap. 
I rather think it would thy love renew;  Dory. 
Sapphus it did; and fare more rigour show:  
" For true it is, when lovers go to woo,  
" Each mile's as long as ten, each hour as two.  
" Whence each true lover by experience prones  
" Man is not where he life's, but where he love's.  
For what delight, as all delights were there,  
Can my enthralled mind refresh or cheer,  
Wanting my Love, whose only sight could show  
More true content than all the world could do?  
Yet stayed I still, expecting I should hear,  
How in my absence, she herself did bear,  
And whether those same rumours which I heard,  
Were true or false, as I found afterward.  Lin. 
How went they Dorycles?  Dor. 
howsoever they went  
I found Bellina merely innocent;  
Whence I inferred, that many times we wrong them,  
By causeless laying false aspersions on them:  
For I perceived she had been wooed by many,  
But never yet affianced unto any.  Coryd. 
Thrice happy Dorycles!  Dor. 
Happy indeed,  
Till worse events did afterwaards succeed.  Coryd. 
What fate?  Dor. 
Fare worse than ere on Shepherd leight.  Tech. 
Express it Herdsman;  Dor. 
So I purpose straight.  
Having thus heard all rumours to be vain,  
I straight resolved to return back again  
Into my Country: where I found my wench  
The same I left her when I came from thence;  
So as in brief, so happy was my state,  
I meant my marriage rites to consummate.  
Which that they might be done more solemnly,  
All our young Shepherds in a company,  
Addressed themselves to grace that day; beside  
The choicest Damsels to attend the Bride,  
For to prevent occasion of delay,  
Set down on both sides was the Marriage day.  Tech. 
Me thinks this cannot choose but happen well;  Dory. 
Stay Technis hear, what afterwards befell●  
The Even before that I should married be,  
One came in all haste and acquainted me  
How Cacus that uncivil lozel, would  
Carry the best Ram that I had to fold,  
Wherewith incensed withouten further stay,  
Going to th' sold I met him in the way:  
Who of my Ram not only me denied,  
But used me in disgraceful sort beside,  
Which I distasting, without more ado  
Reached my unnurtured Cacus such a blow,  
As he in heat of passion aimed his Crook  
Just at my head to wound me with the stroke:  
Which I rewarded, so as by our men  
Without more hurt we both were parted then.  
But scarce had Phoebus lodged in the West,  
Till He, whose fury would not let him rest,  
Sent me a challenge stuffed with disgrace,  
Length of his Weapon, Second, and the Place.  Dim. 
Then we must have a field fought.  Dory. 
Without stay;  
I met him though it was my marriage day,  
Though not on equal terms.  Tech. 
More fited had been  
T'encountered with Bellina than with him.  Sapp. 
I would have thought so Technis;  Lin. 
So would he,  
If he had been resolved as he should be.  Dor. 
Shephcards 'tis true; but now it is too late,  
For to exclaim against relentless fate,  
Whose adverse hand provented that delight,  
Which lovers reap in a blessed nuptial night.  Cor. 
Thou mightst with ●reait have deferred it, Swain;  Dor. 
I know it, Corydon: but 'twas my aim  
To right my reputation, which did stand  
Engaged, unless I met him out a hand,  
Which I performed, and with my Second too,  
To bear me witness what I meant to do.  Dim. 
And he performed the like;  Dor. 
He vowed he would,  
And so indeed by Law of arms he should,  
But I perceived his recreant spirit such,  
To sight on equal terms he thought too much:  
near to Soranus cave there stands a grove,  
Which Poets fain was consecrate to Love,  
Though then it seemed to be transformed by fate,  
From th' grove of Love, unto the grave of Hate;  
There we did meet: where he out of distrust,  
Fearing the cause he fought for was not just,  
To second his injurious act, did bring  
A rout of desperate rogues along with him,  
Who lurking, kept together till we met,  
And so upon advantage me beset,  
As fight or fall, there was no remedy,  
Such was the height of Cacus villainy.  Tech. 
Who ever heard a more perfidious trick?  Dor. 
'tis true; yet though my Second had been sick,  
And much enfeebled in his former strength,  
We held them play, till haplessly at length,  
Through violence of fury, from himfell  
His luckless weapon.  Dim. 
Oh I hear thee tell  
A heavy Seen!  Dor. 
Yes Dymnus hadst thou seen  
How our shed blood purpled the flowery green,  
What crimson streamlins flowed from either of us,  
Thou wouldst have pitied, though thounere did love us:  
For having fought so long as we had breath,  
Breathless we lay as Images of death,  
Bereft of sense or Motion.  Sap. 
Alas for woe,  
Any true Herdsman should be used so.  Cor. 
What boundless sorrows were ye plunged in!  Dor. 
'tis true; and worse fare had used been,  
Had not Dametas that well natured Swain,  
Repaired that instant to our forlorn Plain;  
Who seeing us, and in what state we were,  
In due compassion could not well forbear  
From shedding tears, so soon as he had found  
Our red-bathed Corpses fast glued to the ground.  
Oft did he rear our Bodies, but in vain,  
For breathless they fell to the Earth again;  
Oft did he rub our temples to restore  
That vital heat, which was suppressed before:  
But without hope of life, though life was there,  
As Men of Earth, did we on Earth appear.  
At last assisted by a Swain or two,  
(See what the Providence of Heaven can do)  
We were conveyed to a grange hard by,  
Whereto were Surgeons sent immediately,  
Whose learned skill dramed from experience,  
Brought us in time to have a little sense  
Of our endangered state.  Dim. 
But pray thee tell  
Whose hand expressed most art?  Dor. 
Grave Astrophel,  
Whose known experiments of Art have shown  
More noble ours of late on this our Down,  
Than all our Mountebanks could ever do,  
For all these precious drugs they value so.  Sap. 
Indeed I know He has much honour won  
For his admired Cures; good Shepherd on.  Dor. 
Having long languished betwixt life and death,  
Removed from thought of love for want of breath,  
As men we lived expos ' to dangers Sconce.  Lin. 
Would not Bellina see thee?  Dor. 
Near but once.  
For having heard there was no way but one,  
And that in all men's judgements I was gone,  
She strait resolves to find a cure for care,  
That if I lived she might have one to spare.  Tech. 
Why, made she choice of any but thyself?  Dor. 
Yes Technis yes, and of a dwarfish else,  
Whom she preferred, (though he could little please)  
Before her first love, hapless Doricles.  Tech. 
Inconstant Swainlin.  Dor. 
Having heard of this,  
You may conceive how grief augmented is:  
I strait deprived of hope, began to rave,  
And would not take what my Physician gave,  
But scorning all preseriptions valued death  
Above alanguishing distasteful breath;  
Till by persuasion and recourse of time  
Those brainsick passions and effects of mine  
Depressed were: so as upon a day,  
The burden of my sorrows to allay,  
And to express the nature of my wrong,  
I set my hand to pen, and made a Song.  Dim. 
Good Dorycles let's hear what it may be,  
It cannot but be good if't come from thee.  Dor. 
Shepherds you shall; and if you think it fit,  
I loved her once, shall be the Tune of it.  Tech. 
No Tune more proper; to it lovely Swain.  Dor. 
Attend then Shepherds to my doleful strain.  

THe fairest fair that ever breathed air,  
Feeding her Lambkins on this Plain;  
To whom though many did repair,  
I was esteemed her dearest Swain.  
To me she vowed, which vow she broke,  
That she would fancy me or none.  
But since she has her Swain forsook,  
I'll take me to a truer one.   

Had she been firm, as she was fair,  
Or but performed what she had vowed,  
I might have sung a fig for care,  
And safely swum in fancy's flood;  
But o the stain of womanhood!  
Who breaks with one, keeps touch with none;  
Wherefore in hate to such a brood,  
I'll take me to a truer one.   

Was't not enough to break her vow,  
And quit my love with such disdain,  
But scornfully deride me too,  
With scoffs to gratify my pain?  
But since my labours are in vain,  
I'll spend no more my time in moan,  
But will my former love disclaim,  
And take me to a truer one.   

Who ever lived and showed more love,  
Or less expressed what she did show?  
Who seeming firm so false could prove,  
Or vow so much, and slight her vow?  
But since I do her nature know,  
I am right glad that she is gone;  
For if I shoot in Cupid's bow,  
I'll take me to a truer one.   

More faith less fair ne'er spoke with tongue,  
Or could protest less what she thought;  
Near Shepherd suffered greater wrong,  
Or for less profit ever wrought;  
But since my hopes are turned to nought,  
May never Herdsman make his moan  
To one whose mold's in weakness wrought,  
But take him to a truer one.   Cor. 
May all poor Swains be henceforth warned by thee;  
But didst thou never since Bellina see?  Dor. 
Yes, and her lovely spouse Archetus too,  
Who seeing me (quoth he) There doth he go,  
Who on a time, as I informed am,  
Would lose his Lass before he lost his Ram;  
Which I retorted, saying, I thought best,  
My butting Ram should be his worship's crest,  
Whose broad-spread front lets did presage what fate  
Would in short time attend his forked pate.  Sap. 
Thou hit him home my Dorycles; but say,  
What said she to thee?  Dor. 
Bitten lip, and away;  
Though the next morn, my sorrow to renew,  
She sent a Willow wreath fast bound with Rew,  
Which I accepted, but that I might show  
I neverrue her breach of promise now,  
The Rew that tied my Wreath I threw aside,  
And with Hearts ease my Willow garland tide.  Lin. 
A good exchange.  Dor. 
Now Shepherds you haeve heard  
My faithful love, and her unjust reward;  
Did ever Swain enjoy the light of Sun,  
That bore such injuries as I have done?  Tech. 
Indeed thy wounds were great;  Dim. 
Yet mine as wide.  Dor. 
I missed my Love, and lost my blood beside.  Dim. 
Suspend thy judgement, and thine ear incline  
Unto my Tale, and thou wilt yield to mine.  Coryd 
Let's have it Dymnus;  Dim. 
Herdsman so thou shalt,  
Yet if I weep, impute it to the fault  
Of my surcharged heart, which still appears  
The best at case, when eyes are full'st of 〈◊〉   

The Argument.  

Dymnus' Palmira  
Woes to be his Wife,  
But she had vowed  
To live a single life.    

The second Argument.  

Dymnus' with long looking dim,  
Love's the wench that loatheth him;  
Price nor prayer may not persuade  
To infringe the vow she made;  
Having meant to live and die  
Vesta's virgin votary.  
Yet at last she seems to yield  
To her lovesick Swain the field,  
So that he will undertake  
Three year's silence for her sake:  
Which hard Penance he receives,  
And performs the task she craves.  
But while he restrains his tongue,  
She pretends the time's too long:  
Wherefore she doth entertain  
In her breast another Swain.  
Dymnus having heard of this,  
H●es to th' place where th' marriage is,  
Purposing to make a breach  
By dumb signs, though want of speech:  
But alas they all command him  
Silence, cause none understand him.  
Thus he suffers double wrong,  
Loss of wench, and loss of tongue,  
For till three y●●res were expired,  
He ne'er spoke what he desired,  
All which time consumed in dolour,  
He 〈◊〉 lays her in her colour;  
And concluding, wisheth no man  
Lose his tongue to game a woman:  
And to cheer his pensive heart,  
With a Song they end this part.    

THE THIRD EGLOGVE.  Dymnus' tale. 
Upon a time while I did liu● on Te●se,  
I made love to a wench my friends to please,  
But (as my fate was still) it would not be,  
For woo I knew not how, no more than she:  
Yet I can well remember this she said,  
For aught she knew, she meant to die a Maid,  
A Vestal Virgin, or a Votaress,  
A cloistered Nun, or holy Prioress;  
To which I answered, if it were her desire  
To be a Nun, I meant to turn a Friar,  
So might it chance that we again should meet,  
Where th' Nun and Friar might play at Barleybreak.  Cor. 
Where lived th● Love?  Dim. 
near th' bottom of the hill.  
Between Pancarpus temple and the mill,  
There lived my f●●re Palmira, who I say,  
Amongst all our wenches bore the Palm away:  
A●d her I loved and liked, and sued and sought,  
But all my love and labour turned to nought;  
For she haa vowed. which vow should ne'er be broke,  
she'd die a Maid, but meant not as she spoke.  Dor. 
No Dymnus, no, the nicest sure I am,  
Would live a Maid if it were not for a man;  
B●● there is none of them can brook so well,  
To be a Bearward and lead Apes in Hell.  Dim. 
True Dorycles, for in process of time,  
I found her maiden humour to decline:  
For she did grant the boon which I did ask,  
Upon condition of a greater task.  Lin. 
What heavy censure might this task afford?  Dim. 
That for three years I should not speak a word.  Cor. 
Alas poere Swain, this task which she prepared,  
In all my time the like was never heard.  Dor. 
But this same silent task had harder been,  
If she had proved what she enjoined him:  
For none can do a woman greater wrong,  
Than bar her from a privilege of tongue.  Sap. 
A woman's tongue's a clapper in the wind,  
Which once a foot, can never be confined;  
But to thy task, good Dymnus.  Dim. 
To proceed,  
What she enjoined I did perform indeed:  
For I appeared as one deprived of speech,  
Yet ne'er my friends unto my aims could reach;  
But much lamented that a Swain so young,  
And promising, should lose his Use of tongue.  Tech. 
I wonder how thou could express thy mind?  Dim. 
Only by dumb signs, so as I did find  
Within short time, a great facility  
In that hard task which she imposed me.  Lin. 
Hardest adventures oft the easiest seem,  
Only for love of such enjoined them.  Dim. 
And such were mine; when others talked with ease  
Of this and that, I ever held my peace;  
Others sung Carols of their fairest fair,  
But I in silent measures had a share;  
Others discoursed of pleasures of the time,  
And I approved them with a secret sign.  
Others could court, as Shepherds use to do,  
Which I could do as well, but durst not s●ow:  
For all my aims and purposes did tend  
To gain my Love, and for no other end.  Cor. 
Did not performance of this task obtain  
That prize of love which thou desired to gain?  Dim. 
No Corydon; for though I did obey,  
She thought three years too long a time to stay,  
So as her dumb knight she did strait disclaim,  
And took herself unto another Swain.  Sap. 
Disloyal wench.  Dim. 
Yet alas what remedy;  
A marriage is intended solemnly:  
Which that it might more privately be carried,  
In a retired Cell they must be married.  Tech 
Unhappy Swain!  Dim. 
So did I th●● appear:  
For when the marriage came unto my ear,  
I strait repaired to th' Cell right speedily,  
Where these sadrites solemnised were to be.  
Straight was the Gate kept by a Porter grim,  
Who guards the door that none should enter in:  
But I, as time required, resolved to venture,  
Did boldly knock, and knocking freely enter;  
Where entering in, each casts his eye about,  
Some full of fear, as others were of doubt,  
What my approach should mean; but to be brief,  
(Short tales seem long that do renew our grief)  
The Priest pronouncing, justly as I came,  
Who gives her to be married to this man?  
I rushed into the crowd, their hands to break,  
And gladly would have spoke but durst not speak:  
At which attempt, some strange constructions had,  
And verily imagined I was mad;  
Others suspecting what I did intent,  
Thought that ray aims were to no other end,  
Than to prevent the Marriage for that time,  
And afterwards persuade her to be mine.  
Nor were their judgements erring, for I thought  
By my device to have this Project wrought  
Only by dumb signs: sometimes would I show  
With eyes heaved up to Heaven her breach of vow;  
Sometimes in violent manner would I seem  
As if through love I had distracted been,  
Pulling my dear Palmira from his hand,  
Who to receive her for his Spouse did stand.  
Sometimes, as Men in sorrows plunged deep  
And could not utter them, I 'gan to weep,  
And wash the Temple with a briny flood,  
Yet ●ll this while I was not understood:  
For in despite of all that I could do,  
I was restrained, and she was married too.  Cor. 
What discontent might equal this of thine?  Dim. 
Yet though I bore it sharply for the time,  
I afterwards, and have done ever since,  
Borne this disgrace with greater patience.  Lin. 
Yet Dymnus thou wast dumb till three years end!  Dim. 
Yes Linus, and as truly did intent  
What she enjoined me, as I desired  
To marry her, when those three years expired:  
Which come and passed, I then expressed my grief,  
Finding apt words to tender me relief;  
" For woes do labour of too great a birth,  
" That want the help of words to set them forth.  Tech. 
But didst thou ne'er display her hateful shame?  Dim. 
In general I did, but not by name,  
Nor ever will: my purpose is to live  
And laugh at love, and no occasion give  
Of just offence to her or any one,  
Or silently consume my time in moan,  
Frequenting shady Lawns in discontent,  
Or to the Air my fruitless clamours vent.  
Though I resolve, if ere I make my choice,  
In better sort and measure to rejoice  
Than I have done;  Dor. 
Or else I'm sure thy share  
Though it decrease in joy, will grow in care.  Dim. 
I know it will: Now as my wrong was great,  
And greater fare than I could well repeat,  
This shall be my Conclusion; There is no Man  
Wise that will lose his tongue for any Woman:  
For sure I am that they will be more prone  
(Such is their guise) to triumph over one  
When they have drawn him headlong to their train,  
Than such as on more firmer grounds remain.  
" Fly Women, they will follow (still say I)  
" But if ye follow women, they will fly.  Tech. 
Rightly opinioned Dymnus; but t' allay  
Thy grounded grief, and to conclude the day,  
Let's have a Song;  Dor. 
Technis with all my heart.  Dim. 
Though I small mind to sing, I'll bear a part.  Cor. 
And you too Sapphus;  Sap. 
Yes, and Linus too;  Lin. 
Yes, I my Art amongst the rest will show.  Dor. 
To it then freely: safely sing may we,  
Who have been slaves to Love, but now are free.  Tech. 
TEll me Love what thou canst do?  Dor. 
Triumph o'er a simple Swain;  Dim. 
Binding him to such a vow;  Cor. 
As to make his grief thy gain.  Sap. 
Do thy worst thou canst do now;  Lin. 
Thou hast shot at us in vain.  All. 
For we are free, though we did once complain.  Dor. 
Free we are as is the air;  Tech. 
Or the siluer-murm'ring spring.  Dim. 
Free from thought or reach of care;  Cor. 
Which do hapless Lovers wring.  Sap. 
Now we may with joy repair;  Lin. 
To our gladsome Plains and sing;  All. 
And laugh at Love, and call't an idle thing.  Dim. 
Sport we may and feed our Sheep,  Dor. 
And our Lamkins on this Down;  Tech. 
Eat and drink, and sound sleep,  Cor. 
Since these storms are over blown;  Sap. 
Whilst afflicted wretches weep,  Lin. 
That by love are overthrown:  All. 
For now welaugh at follies we have known.  Cor. 
Here we rest upon these rocks;  Dim. 
Round with shady Iuy wreathed;  Dor. 
joying in our woolly flocks;  Tech. 
On these Mountains freely breathed;  Sap. 
Where though clad in russet frocks,  Lin. 
Here we sport where we are heathed:  All. 
O●r only care to see our Pastures freathed.  Sap. 
Thus we may retire in peace;  Cor. 
And though low, yet more secure,  Dim. 
Then those Men which higher press;  Dor. 
Shrubs than Cedars are more sure:  Tech. 
And they live at fare more ease,  Lin. 
Finding for each care a cure.  All. 
Their love as dear and liker to endure.  Lin. 
For wherein consists earth's bliss,  Sap. 
But in having what is fit?  Cor. 
Which though greater men do miss;  Dim. 
Homely Swains oft light of it.  Dor. 
For who's he that living is,  Tech. 
That in higher place doth sit,  All. 
Whose sly Ambition would not higher get.  Tech. 
Let us then contented be,  Dor. 
In the portion we enjoy;  Cor. 
And while we do others see,  Sap. 
Tossed with gusts of all annoy;  Dim. 
Let us say this feel not we:  Lin. 
Be our wenches kind or coy,  All. 
We count their frowns and favours but a toy.  Dor. 
Let's now retire, it draws to Evening time,  
Next Tale my Corydon, it must be thine.  Tech. 
Which may be done next day we hither come,  
Mean time, let's fold our flocks and hyeus home.    

A Pastoral Palinod.  

THese Swains like dying Swans have sung their last,  
And joy in thinking of those woes are past;  
For woes once past, like pleasing pastimes seem,  
And joy us more than if they had not been.  
Such Lays become these Lawns, such Plaints these Plains,  
" Great men may higher have, no heavier strains;  
For Swains thei● Swainlins' love, and woo them too,  
And do as much as braver outsides do.  
But Herdsmen are retired from their shade  
Of Myrtle sprays and sprigs of osier made,  
With purpose to revisit you to morrow,  
Where other three shall give new life to sorrow:  
Mean time repose, lest when the Swain appears,  
You fall asleep when you should flow with tears.   
FINIS.