@media screen and (prefers-color-scheme:dark){}Eneath a Holm, repair'd two jolly Swains;
Their Sheep and Goats together graz'd the Plains.
Both young Arcadians, both alike inspir'd
To sing, and answer as the Song requir'd.
Daphnis, as Umpire, took the middle Seat;5
And Fortune thether led my weary Feet.
For while I fenc'd my Myrtles from the Cold,
The Father of my Flock had wander'd from the Fold.
Of Daphnis I enquir'd; he, smiling, said,
Dismiss your Fear, and pointed where he fed.10
And, if no greater Cares disturb your Mind,
Sit here with us, in covert of the Wind.
Your lowing Heifars, of their own accord,
At wat'ring time will seek the neighb'ring Ford.
Here wanton Mincius windes along the Meads,15
And shades his happy Banks with bending Reeds:
And see from yon old Oak, that mates the Skies,
How black the Clouds of swarming Bees arise.
What shou'd I do! nor was Alcippe nigh,
Nor absent Phillis cou'd my care supply,20
To house, and feed by hand my weaning Lambs,
And drain the strutting Udders of their Dams?
Great was the strife betwixt the Singing Swains:
And I preferr'd my Pleasure to my Gains.
Alternate Rhime the ready Champions chose:25
These Corydon rehears'd, and Thyrsis those.
CORYDON.
Lest his ill Arts or his malicious Tongue
Shou'd poyson, or bewitch my growing Song.40
CORYDON.
Such and so monstrous let thy Swain appear,
If one day's Absence looks not like a Year.
Hence from the Field, for Shame: the Flock deserves
No better Feeding, while the Shepherd starves.65
CORYDON.
The branching Vine the jolly Bacchus loves;
The Cyprian Queen delights in Myrtle Groves.
With Hazle, Phillis crowns her flowing Hair, }
And while she loves that common Wreath to wear;
Nor Bays, nor Myrtle Bows, with Hazle shall compare.
THYRSIS.