1 Then in the country she abroad him sought,
abroad > broadly, widely; in different directions
2 And in the rural cottages inquired, 3 Where also many plaints to her were brought,
plaint > {Complaint; statement of grievance in seeking redress}
4 How he their heedless hearts with love had fired, 5 And his false venom through their veins inspired;
inspired > [had] breathed, infused
6 And eke the gentle shepherd swains, who sat
eke > moreover swains > young men, rustics
7 Keeping their fleecy flocks, as they were hired, 8 She sweetly heard complain, both how and what 9 Her son had to them done; yet she did smile thereat.
thereat > at that, as a result of that