But what, dear Amarillis, was the Theam
The Noble Silvio Sung by yonder Stream?
Amarillis.
Not of the Shepherds, nor their Rural Loves.
The Song was Glorious tho 'twas sung in Groves!
Camilla's Death the skilful Youth inspir'd,
As if th' Heroic Maid his Soul had fir'd;
Such life was in his Song, such heat, such flight,
As he had seen the Royal Virgin fight.
He made her deal her wounds with Graceful Art, }
With vigorous Air fling the unfailing Dart, }
And form'd her Courage to his own great heart. }
Never was fighting in our Sex a Charm,
Till Silvio did the bright Camilla Arm;
With Noble Modesty he shews us how
To be at once Hero and Woman too.
Oh Conquering Maid! how much thy Fame has won, }
In the Arcadian Language to be sung, }
And by a Swain so soft, so sweet, so young. }
Thirsis.
Well hast thou spoke the noble Silvio's Praise,
For I have often heard his charming lays;
Oft has he blest the Shades with strains Divine,
Took many a Virgins heart, and Ravish'd mine.
Long may he sing in every Field and Grove,
And teach the Swains to Pipe, the Maids to Love.
Amarillis.
Daphnis, and Colin Pipe not half so well,
E'en Dions mighty self he does excell;
As the last Lover of the Muses, blest,
The last and young in Love are always best;
And She her darling Lover does requite
With all the softest Arts of Noblest Wit.
Thirsis.
Oh may he dedicate his Youth to her!
Thus let 'em live, and love upon the square,
But see Alexis homeward leads his Flock,
And brouzing Goats descend from yonder Rock;
The Sun is hasting on to Thetis Bed,
See his faint Beams have streak'd the Sky with Red.
Let's home e'er night approach, and all the way
You shall of Silvio sing, while I will play.