(In classic mythology Daphnê fled from the amorous god, and escaped by being changed into a laurel.)
Daph'nis, a beautiful Sicilian shepherd, the inventor of bucolic poetry. He was a son of Mercury, and friend both of Pan and Apollo.
Daph'nis
, the modest shepherd.
This is that modest shepherd, he
That only dare salute, but ne'er could be
Brought to kiss any, hold discourse, or sing,
Whisper, or boldly ask.
John Fletcher,
The Faithful Shepherdess