To the brook and the willow that…

To the brook and the willow that heard him complain, Ah willow! willow! Poor COLIN went weeping, and told them his pain. Sweet stream, he cry'd, sadly I'll teach thee to flow. And the waters shall rise to the brink with my woe. All restless and painful my CELIA now lies, And counts the sad moments of time as it flies: To the nymph, my heart's love, ye soft slumbers repair, Spread your downy wings o'er her, and make her your care; Let me be lest restless, mine eyes never close, So the sleep that I lose give my dear one repose. Sweet stream! if you chance by her pillow to creep, Perhaps your soft murmurs may lull her to sleep. But if I am doom'd to be wretched indeed, And the loss of my charmer the fates have decreed, Believe me, thou fair one, thou dear one, believe, Few sighs to thy loss, and few tears will I give; One sate to thy COLIN and thee shall betide, And soon lay thy shepherd down by thy cold side. Then glide, gentle brook, and to lose thyself haste, Bear this to my willow; this verse is my last. Ah willow! willow! Ah willow! willow;