ELEGY. (Ye maids of the village attend)

Ye maids of the village attend To the sorrowful tale I now speak, Oh, refuse not your comfort to lend, For my heart is just ready to break!

Ye knew my dear Celadon well, He was sprightly, and handsome, and young, On his lips what persuasion did dwell! How melodiously soft was his song!

He was all my fond heart e'er desir'd, He was all that was generous and brave, What pity the charms I admir'd From death had not power to save!

But just as the day did approach, To give the dear youth to my arms, From the waters they brought me his corse, How faded were all his gay charms!

As the lily, when drooping with rain, Dejectedly hangs down its head, So languish'd his beautiful cheek, And all its vermilion was fled.

His voice, that as music was sweet, No more I enraptur'd shall hear, No more the fond swain shall repeat A tale of soft love in my ear.

Convey the dear youth to his grave, Lest his beautiful form I adore, Yet one silent kiss let me have, For, alas! I shall see him no more.

Ye maidens attend on his bier, And strew all the pathway with flowers, And oh! ye kind deities hear! May their loves be more happy than ours!

As for me, I will henceforth beware How in love I engage my fond heart, For tho' love is a joy, how severe Is the pang from a lover to part!