In this exploite, me needeth to declare,

What did betide to the faire Pastorell,

During his absence left in heauy care,

Through daily mourning, and nightly misfare:

Yet did that auncient matrone all she might,

To cherish her with all things choice and rare;

And her owne handmayd, that Melissa hight,

Appointed to attend her dewly day and night.

Who in a morning, when this Mayden faire xv

Was dighting her, hauing her snowy brest