In richest verdure shall be clad, and Jove
Shall on our land descend, in gladd'ning showers.
Corydon.The poplar is the tree for Hercules;
The vine belongs to Bacchus, and the fair
Goddess of Beauty, claims her myrtle green;
While Phœbus in the shining bay delights.
But Phyllis loves the hazel, so whilst she
Shall love, no myrtle, nor e'en Phœbus' bay
Will e'er excel the humble hazel bush.
Thyrsis.The glory of the ash is in the woods,
The pine in gardens, poplar by the stream;
On the high mountains stands the lonely fir
But if, fair Lycidas, I can obtain
Oftener thy company, nor slender ash
Nor stately pine, for me will equal thee.
Melibœus.These are the songs I call to mind, and how
In vain for victory, vanquish'd Thyrsis strove
And how from that time, Corydon is ours.
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