Forgive thy handmaid, huntress of the wood!
I see there's no resisting flesh and blood!
DAPHNIS.
The noble deed is done!—my herds I'll cull;
Cupid, be thine a calf; and Venus, thine a bull.
CHLORIS.
A maid I came in an unlucky hour,
But hence return without my virgin flower.
DAPHNIS.
A maid is but a barren name at best;
If thou canst hold, I bid for twins at least.
Thus did this happy pair their love dispense
With mutual joys, and gratified their sense;
The God of Love was there, a bidden guest,
And present at his own mysterious feast.
His azure mantle underneath he spread,
And scattered roses on the nuptial bed;
While folded in each other's arms they lay, } He blew the flames, and furnished out the play, } And from their foreheads wiped the balmy sweat away.} First rose the maid, and with a glowing face,
Her downcast eyes beheld her print upon the grass;
Thence to her herd she sped herself in haste: } The bridegroom started from his trance at last,} And piping homeward jocundly he past. }