Ode to Amanda, on Her Threatening to Leave the Country in Autumn

Stay, lovely maid, our fate delay; Yet, yet a while suspend our doom: Thine eyes supply the shortening day, And save us from the hastening gloom:

While thou art here, we still shall see The fields, the groves, the meadows wear Their gayest dress, to honour thee; Then quit them till the rising year.

As yet, the tepid Zephyrs sport, And wanton in the leafy grove; As yet, the nymphs and swains resort To dales and woods to talk of love:

The little birds, in every glade, With tuneful vows their mates accost, Secure of summer and of shade, Nor dread the piercing wintry frost.

Ah pretty fools! ye little know How soon your happiness must end! Cruel Amanda! wilt thou go, And rob them of their only friend?

Wilt thou the sun and summer fly? They only stay to wait on thee; And horrid Winter watches nigh, Impatient till thou set him free:

Then will these verdant lawns and groves With cheerless frosts be cover'd o'er, The nymphs and swains forget their loves, And birds and poets sing no more.

Stella, who never sues in vain, And poor Melissus beg thy stay; O, hear the suppliant nymph and swain, And cheat grim Winter of his prey!