English poem
Song. the Landscape
by William Shenstone (1714–1763)
How pleas'd within my native bow'rs Erewhile I pass'd the day! Was ever scene so deck'd with flow'rs? Were ever flow'rs so gay?
How sweetly smil'd the hill, the vale, And all the Landscape round! The river gliding down the dale, The hill with beeches crown'd!
But now, when urg'd by tender woes, I speed to meet my dear, That hill and stream my zeal oppose, And check my fond career.
No more, since Daphne was my theme, Their wonted charms I see; That verdant hill and silver stream Divide my love and me.