Gentle shepherd born in Arcady,
Of gentlest race that ever shepherd bore;
About the grassy banks of Hæmony,
Did keep his sheep, his little stock and store.
Full carefully he kept them day and night
In fairest fields; and Astrophel he hight.
Young Astrophel! the pride of shepherds' praise.
Young Astrophel! the rustic lasses' love.
Far passing all the pastors of his days
In all that seemly shepherd might behove.