Camilla

Echo the sound did much misrepresent, If this is not the way the roebuck went After 'twas struck; how swift it must have fled, And with what strength, considering how it bled! So deep the bearded shaft transfixed its side, That the white feather was alone descried; And now the search of what eludes my sight Tires me to death. It can't have stretched its flight Beyond this valley; it must surely be Here, and perhaps expiring! oh that she, My Lady of the Groves, would of her pack Lend me a hound to follow up the track, The whilst I sleep away the hours of heat Within these woods!—Oh visitants most sweet! Fresh, amorous, gentle, flavourous breezes, blow In deeper gusts, and break this burning glow Of the meridian sun! at length, I pass My naked soles upon the cold green grass; Thy sylvan toils this raging noon commit To men, Diana, whom they best befit! For once I dare thy horn to disobey; Thy favourite chase has cost me dear to-day. Ah my sweet fountain! from what paradise Hast thou too cast me by a mere surprise? Know'st thou, clear mirror, what thy glass has done? Driven from me the delightful face of one, Whose kind society and faith approved I now no less desire than then I loved, But not as he supposed; God grant that first Her heart may break, ere vowed Camilla burst The virgin band that binds her with the maids Of dear Diana, and her sacred shades! With what reluctance thought renews the sense Of this sad history, but the youth's offence Exculpates me; if of his absence I Were the prime cause, I would most willingly Myself condemn, but he, I recollect, Both wilful was, and wanting in respect. But why afflict myself for this? I yet Would live contented, and the boy forget.— These clear cool springs a lulling murmur make, Here will I lie, and my sweet siesta take; And when the sultry noon is over, go Again in search of my rebellious roe: Still 'tis a mystery and surprise to me With such a wound how it so far could flee!