This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

( 22 )

HOBBINOL.
I love in secret all a beauteous Maid,
And have my Love in secret all repaid.
This coming Night she does reserve for me.
Divine her Name; and thou the Victor be.

LANQUET.
Mild as the Lamb, and harmless as the Dove,
True as the Turtle, is the Maid I love.
How we in secret love, I shall not say,
Divine her Name; and I give up the Day.

HOBBINOL.
Soft on a Cowslip Bank, my Love and I,
Together lay: A Brook ran murm'ring by.
A thousand tender things to me she said,
And I a thousand tender Things repaid.

LANQUET.
In Summer Shade, beneath the Cocking Hay,
What soft, endearing Words did she not say?
Her Lap, with Apron deck'd, she fondly spread,
And stroak'd my Cheeks, and lull'd my leaning Head.

HOBBINOL.
Breathe soft, ye Winds; ye Waters gently flow;
Shield her, ye Trees; ye Flowers around her grow;
Ye Swains, I beg you, pass in Silence by;
My Love in yonder Vale asleep does lye.

LANQUET.
Once Delia slept, on easie Moss reclin'd,
Her lovely Limbs half bare, and rude the Wind:
I smooth'd her Coats, and stole a silent Kiss.
Condemn me, Shepherds, if I did amiss.

HOBBINOL.
As Marian bath'd, by chance I passed by;
She blush'd, and at me cast a sidelong Eye:
Then swift beneath the Crystal Wave she try'd
Her beauteous Form, but all in vain, to hide.

LANQUET.