The HAPPY SHEPHERD; Written at sixteen Years old

How happy a shepherd am I, With Laura the pride of my heart; I'll never more languish nor sigh, Alas! she has cur'd all my smart: She vows that she will be my wife, By all that is honest and fair; Then I'll be her husband for life, And never know sorrow nor care.

Brother shepherds that toil on the plain, By me take example I pray; Throw off all your sorrow and pain, And ever be chearful and gay, Then nymphs that are modest and shy, For once hear young Damon's advice, The reason I'll tell you for why, As happy you'll be in a trice.

Give each of your hands to your swain, Then drive away faction and strife, Bid adieu to all anguish and pain, And be happy th' rest of your life; Such is Damon's advice my kind fair, Then take it most freely I pray; So fly from all sorrow and care, And ever be joyful and gay.