THE Harmless Shepherd

'Twas early on a holiday, A harmless, shepherd chane'd to stray; And wand'ring near a chrystal brook, He sat him down to bait his book, Thus said the shepherd free from care, If I this gudgeon could ensnare, Or any of the scaly fry, I'd envy none below the sky.

His sport was harmless as his mind; Upon his hand his head reclin'd; And list'ning to the woodlark's note, He watch'd the motion of its float. It scarce obtain'd a single swim, Ere Cupid round the swain did skim, With feather'd wings extended wide, And settled by the shepherd's side.

The swain had heard of bows and darts, And Cupid's snare, that tortur'd hearts, Became uneasy at the sight, But artfully conceal'd his fright. "O, pray thee Cupid! tell, I pray, What brought thee here so soon to day?" 'In truth, said he, in sports like thine, I thither come to waste my time.'

"If this be true, my pretty boy, Then leave with me this glittering toy: I mean the arrow in thy hand; Then equally we'll share our stand." 'Shepherd, I'll give thee any thing; Here. take it with my bow and string.' The swain secure his cheek did stroke, And slily Cupid's arrow broke.

But lo! an angel's voice he heard; When soon an angel's form appear'd, With eyes so bright as poets say, (Should Phoebus sleep) might rule the day: The shepherd listen'd to her song; In truth, I fear, he gaz'd too long; For as her eyes their beams withdrew, Her winning looks the shepherd slew.

At first he felt th' uncommon smart. And fear'd the boy had sent a dart; Then faintly turning, child, said he, "This fatal arrow came from thee," 'Shepherd, I say, it's no such thing; You had it with my bow and string: But now, I guess, for whom you smart; The nymph you saw has pierc'd your heart.