IDYL XXVII.

DAPHNIS AND CHLOE.

CHLOE.

A COWHERD with chaste Helen ran away.

DAPHNIS.

This Helen here was kist by one to-day.

CHLOE.

Boast not they say there's nothing in a kiss.

DAPHNIS.

But in mere kissing is some touch of bliss.

CHLOE.

I wipe my mouth-and off thy kiss is ta'en.

DAPHNIS.

Wipe you your mouth? then let me kiss again.

X

CHLOE.

Calves, not a maid, to kiss doth you beseem

DAPHNIS.

Boast not thy youth is flying like a dream.

CHLOE.

Ripe grapes are raisins, and dry roses sweet.

DAPHNIS.

Come to yon olives: I would fain repeat

CHLOE.

I will not you deceived me once indeed.

DAPHNIS.

Come to yon elms, and hear me play my reed.

CHLOE.

Play to yourself: naught wretched pleases me.

DAPHNIS.

Take heed the Paphian will be wroth with thee.

CHLOE.

A fig for her, if Artemis be kind.

DAPHNIS.

Hush! lest she smite you and for ever bind.

By Pan I fly him he doth ever drive you.

DAPHNIS.

I fear that Love to some worse man may give you.

CHLOE.

What can I do? marriage brings only care.

DAPHNIS.

Not pain, nor grief, but joys which sweetest arė.

CHLOE.

They say that women fear their wedded dears.

DAPHNIS.

They rule them rather: show me one that fears.

CHLOE.

Lucina's bolt-the child-bed pang I dread.

DAPHNIS.

Thy sovran, Artemis, puts wives to bed.

CHLOE.

Child-bearing will my fine complexion blight.

DAPHNIS.

Thy children will become thy bloom and light.