SONGS.
83
SONG V.
As near a weeping; spring reclined.
The beauteous Araminta pined,
And mourned a false ungrateful youth;
While dying echoes caught the sound,
And spread the soft complaints around
Of broken vows and altered truth;—
An aged shepherd heard her moan,
And thus in pity's kindest tone
Addressed the lost despairing maid :
"Cease, cease, unhappy fair, to grieve,
For sounds, though sweet, can ne'er relieve
A breaking heart by love betrayed.
"Why shouldst thou waste such precious showers,
That fall like dew on withered flowers,