My fond shepherds of late were so…

My fond shepherds of late were so blest, The fair nymphs were so happy and gay, That each night they went safely to rest, And they merrily sung through the day: But ah! what a scene must appear! Must the sweet rural pastimes be o'er? Shall the tabor no more strike the ear? Shall the dance on the green be no more?

Must the flocks from their pastures be led? Must the herds go wild straying abroad? Shall the looms be all stopt in each shed, And the ships be all moor'd in each road? Must the hearts be all scatter'd abroad, And shall Commerce grow sick of the tide? Must Religion expire on the ground, And shall Virtue sink down by her side?